National Retail Federation

Saturday, a lot of shoppers came back to malls searching for doorbuster deals, next year's Christmas gifts and, for most, gifts for themselves.

Recognizing shoppers would likely spend less this holiday season, vendors carefully managed inventory this Christmas. That resulted in some store shelves to be practically empty December 26.

Retailers made a push to woo gift-card-toting shoppers by cutting prices and offering doorbuster deals often reserved for the day after Thanksgiving.

American consumers shopped more for bargains at the start of the U.S. holiday season and spent significantly less than a year ago, according to early data released on Sunday.

Consumers said they will have spent nearly 8 percent less on average, or about $343 per person, over the weekend that includes U.S. Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and runs through Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation.

 While retailers and different industry measures are projecting improved sales from last year, Halloween sales this year are expected to be haunted. 

After reaching $5.77 billion last year, their highest in at least four years, Halloween sales this year are expected to decline 18% to $4.75 billion, according to a survey from trade group National Retail Federation. Average spending also is expected to decline 15% to $56.31 from $66.54.