It might not be a Christmas miracle, but brisk sales of toys, electronics and clothing spurred weekend receipts that kept retailers from going over the edge – at least for now.
US shoppers spent an average of $372.57 this weekend, up 7.2 percent over last year’s $347.55, and total spending reached an estimated $41 billion, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.
“Holiday sales are not expected to continue at this brisk pace. But it is encouraging that Americans seem excited to go shopping again,” said federation president Tracy Mullin.
Customers seemed most excited about items that were offered in many stores at deep discounts: elec tronics, toys and clothing.
Friday was clearly the busiest day, with 73.6 mil lion people hitting stores and Web sites for door-busters.
Nearly 57 million people shopped Sat urday, up from 48.3 million last year, while another 26.2 million people planned to shop yesterday.
Lisa Lopez, of Manhattan, said she and her husband, Santos, were on pace to spend nearly $10,000 this holiday season.
“I never spend less, even when I try,” said Lopez, 54, who lives in Midtown. “I’m definitely good for the economy.”