It seems more shoppers braved the crowds on black Friday but spent less.
According to the National Retail Federation 195 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the weekend.
That’s up from 172 million shoppers from last year.
However on average, each shopper spent about $31 less than last year.
But how did local stores fair?
Mary Houck says Black Friday was a little disappointing.
"It was up more than regular but nothing oustanding," says Houck.
Houck works at Wish in downtown Columbia.
She says not having an outstanding day on Black Friday didn't hurt so much because sales have been better than even for the store this year.
"I think there's a big turnaround, we are up a lot from last year," says Houck.
Houk says Black Friday doesn't impact the locally owned small business as much as big box retailers and department stores.
She says having sales throughout the year has helped business boom and keep cash strapped shoppers like Chelsea Metts loyal.
"I like being able to shop, it's just hard because of the economy," says Metts.
Other shoppers like Kristen Mackey say they are also watching their budge and capping their spending more than ever.
"Probably not as much as the past few years because of the economy and all," says Mackey.
According to the retailing experts, the Black Friday weekend is supposed to provide the first look at the retailing outlook for the crucial Christmas season.
And if the weekend data holds true, U.S. retailers are in for another lean winter.
But Mary Houck says her store is prepared.
"We're going to have a lot of holiday sales to get people in for Christmas, selling gift wrapping and gift certificates and things like that," says Houck.
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