SIXTY-SIX PERCENT OF BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPERS

RISMEDIA, November 24, 2009-Black Friday may kick-off the holiday shopping season, but not everybody's out to buy gifts. Of the half of Americans who plan on shopping in stores or online over the Black Friday weekend, 66% say they'll be shopping for themselves according to the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll.

The day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Black Friday, is not the only important shopping day of the holiday weekend. While 28% of adults plan to shop in-stores on Black Friday, just as many (29%) say they'll be shopping on Saturday or Sunday afterwards. Overall, half (53%) of adults expect the deals to be just as good in-stores as online this year.

The Black Friday weekend shopping list for consumers includes clothing (71%) and electronics (70%), with video games and accessories (46%) being the most popular electronic items. More than half of shoppers (56%) are planning to purchase toys and a little less than half (48%) are planning to purchase gift cards. Most of these items are intended to be purchased as gifts; however, the items where shoppers have the highest intent to self indulge are food or wine, electronics and clothing.

"The inner-shopper comes out in all of us around this time of year," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor and resident shopping expert. "Retailers are doing everything they can to entice shoppers by offering not only Black Friday bargains but deals for the entire weekend."

 The meaning of Black Friday has sure changed over the years. With all the stores leaking there best specials. It will be hard to know where to go first. I just hope the true meaning of GIVING is not forgotten.

Happy shopping to all we are going out!! Be careful