Bargain hunters were out in force across the United States for Black Friday. They were seen pouring into malls and department stores from early in the morning.

The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday because it has been said to help keep retailers "in the black".

About 150 shoppers formed a line outside a renowned department store in New York, and when the doors opened at 6 a.m., they rushed in.

A 61-year-old man who came to buy some jeans at a knockdown price said inflation is driving up the cost of rent, food and other necessities.

Wages are rising in the United States, and consumer spending remains steady, but many people are still being relatively frugal.

The National Retail Federation estimates a 2.5% to 3.5% increase in holiday sales compared to last year, marking the slowest growth in six years.