$20 billion spent on Black Friday

That's according to one early estimate, which puts buying slightly above 2006 numbers. Retailers are all delivering upbeat assessments though analysts are still cautious. Some analysts are suggesting the early start to the shopping day will result in thinner crowds on Friday afternoon, possibly slowing down business. (Wouldn't they be out for the same length of time, just arriving home earlier?)

How were the crowds near you? Were people buying or looking? It may take a few days, possibly a couple of weeks, before some firm numbers are calculated.