Survey: Midwest shoppers spent the least over Thanksgiving weekend

Midwest shoppers spent less than any other region of the country this holiday weekend, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

The region's shoppers reported spending an average of $382 this weekend. That's compared to an average of $432 in the Northeast, where the survey shows shoppers spent the most. The organization grouped data from nearly 4,000 people by regions of the country.

The survey, however, shows Midwest residents matched national averages for trips to stores.

Nearly 56 percent of the region's respondents said they shopped on Friday or this weekend. They reported visiting department stores most often, followed by discount stores.

Mall of America spokeswoman Bridget Jewell said staff recorded 210,000 visitors Friday.

"That broke our record," she said. "Last year was a record-breaking year as well; we had 200,000 people come through the doors."

Midwestern shoppers also steered away from the Internet for their research and purchasing this weekend.

Less than a fourth of Midwest shoppers used smart phones to research purchases, compared to about a third in the rest of the country. They also reported spending the least online: $120 compared to the nationwide average of $150.

But Midwest shoppers may simply be taking their time. Most told researchers they've completed less than 10 percent of their holiday shopping.

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