ICSC: Spending strong on Thanksgiving, Black Friday 

Consumers were in a spending mood for the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season.

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, consumers spent an estimated average of $504, with 50$ spending more than last year, setting the stage for a strong season, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).  

ICSC, surveying more than 1,000 U.S. adults in conjunction with Engine Insights, reported Sunday that discount department stores were the most popular destinations for shoppers. In other findings, consumers visited an average of 12 stores over the weekend, ICSC said.

“The holiday season is officially under way and top-performing retailers will be those connecting with consumers through both physical and digital channels,” said said Tom McGee, president and CEO of ICSC.