ICSC: More consumers will shop Black Friday this year

New York City -- A report released Thursday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs said that 34% of consumers plan to shop on Black Friday, up from 31% in 2010 and 26% in 2009. “In addition to buying gifts, consumers overwhelmingly indicated that they would be looking for bargains on Black Friday for themselves as well,” said Michael P. Niemira, chief economist and director of research for ICSC. Additionally, with some retailers planning to open for limited hours on Thanksgiving Day, 16% of consumers indicated that they would take advantage and head to the mall.