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Americans eager to score holiday bargains were able to kick off their shopping, hours before midnight on 'Black Friday,' traditionally of the biggest shopping day in the United States.
Several retailers opened their doors their doors as early as Thursday evening to lure bargain hunters. Jubilant shoppers cheered as they galloped into stores ranging from Macy's to Walmart.
While there were several reports of skirmishes at a California Walmart and a shooting in Illinois, the scene at many stores was noticeably tamer than recent years. Images from previous years showed shoppers stampeding through doors and violent clashes over coveted toys and electronics.
