People across the United States are flocking to malls and department stores in search of Black Friday bargains. At the same time, many in the retail industry worry about the impact of record-high inflation on the nation's appetite for spending.

In New York, shoppers were seen lining up outside a long-established department store at 6 a.m.

One woman said she comes every year on Black Friday. She said she bought a jacket at 60 percent off the regular price.

The US National Retail Federation expects retail sales in November and December will grow between six and eight percent from the same period a year ago.

But there are concerns inflation could impact personal spending. Experts say consumers are increasingly prioritizing food and other daily necessities.

Some electronics retailers in New York started their sales earlier and offered large discounts to attract customers.