'Black Friday' deals target inflation-weary US consumers

The annual Black Friday shopping day has always been about finding the best deals, but this year retailers are preparing for a US consumer more zealously fixated than ever on getting value for their money.

Inflation has stabilized after dramatic price spikes during the Covid pandemic years, but consumers are still feeling the pinch — meaning bargain-hunting strategies such as grabbing early giveaways and waiting for last-minute steals are in vogue.