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| Black Friday is the most important day of the year for the U.S. economy |
Bargain hunters in the suburbs of Los Angeles laid hands of brutal tactics to get get the best products at the lowest prices. In fact, several women attacked his rival with pepper spray, a substance related to police brutality against protesters Occupy Wall Street, which now takes over the mall.
At least 20 people including several children, were injured by the unscrupulous actions of a woman looking for the best deals. "I heard shouts and screams. Moments later I was itching throat and coughing nonstop," said Matthew Lee, a buyer who described the incidents the Los Angeles Times.
Violent incidents aside, the U.S. is stuck with a dying growth and entrenched unemployment rate at 9%. Indeed, under this tricky economic climate, many retailers have set their hopes on the holiday shopping season, when they expect the citizens finally open their wallets and show signs of increased spending in the coming weeks.
152 million consumers
Experts expect a total of 152 million people invade the stores this weekend, 27% more than last year. The situation is so delicate that even Apple, which until now had avoided discount policies, has decided to enter the competition cuts prices during the day on Black Friday.
Adam Davidson, director of the podcast, Planet Money on NPR, public radio station in the U.S., Black Friday described as "an economic stimulus and job creation" that is crucial for the U.S. economy. Others, like Robert Frank, professor of Economics and Management, Cornell University, has proposed that for the frenzy of the shopping day to benefit the common good, should be put in a tax related to Black Friday.
According to the National Retail Federation, last year a total of 212 million people flooded the halls of the mall to let a total of 45,000 million during the entire holiday shopping season, almost $ 365 per head. A negligible amount, since an increase of 6% over that recorded in 2009.
