Retailers Ramp Up Black Friday Bargains

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Shoppers woke up at predawn hours clamoring for bargains on Black Friday, marking the official start of what is expected to be a very promotion-laden holiday shopping season.

Retailers unlocked their doors as early as midnight, hoping to entice people with short-lived deals. Many outlet stores opened at 4 a.m., while malls opened an hour later.

The National Retail Federation estimates that about 132.9 million shoppers will be piling into stores the weekend after Thanksgiving. Holiday sales overall are expected to climb only a modest 4% for November and December combined, the smallest increase for the industry since 2002. ...