Storyline: U.S. consumers plan to cut back their spending during Black Friday-Cyber Monday shopping events for the first time in four years, according to a Deloitte survey. The consultancy found that though a higher proportion of U.S. consumers plan to shop during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday shopping week compared with last year. According to the survey, shoppers plan to spend an average of 622 U.S. dollar, down 4 percent from a year ago. The survey also found that those intending to spend less cited higher living costs and financial constraints as the main factors. "We will be more cautious. Prices are high, and that's something we're teaching our kids. You know, they have to look at the prices and stick within their budget, so it's teaching them an important lesson as well," said local resident Jessica Beining. Madeline Torrisi, another resident, echoed the sentiment, saying she is reining in her spending, opting for more locally made products and avoiding major retailers. "I'd say I'm more cautious about it. And I'm like thinking about trying to like, obviously shop local, understanding, like what's made in America, and like trying not to buy from like super large companies like Amazon and Target," Torrisi said. Retailers are also grappling with multiple headwinds, including tariffs, rising supply-chain costs, tightening consumer budgets, and the need for stricter inventory management. As a result, overall discounts this shopping season are expected to be slightly weaker than last year. "Customers have been waiting. In other words, people are nervous. They don't have a lot of money. They're just waiting for a sale," said James Early, a financial expert. Shotlist: USA - Recent: 1. Various of pedestrians on street, sign of "Macy's" 2. Various of consumers at supermarket, sign reading "Black Friday Sale" 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jessica Beining, local resident: "We will be more cautious. Prices are high, and that's something we're teaching our kids. You know, they have to look at the prices and stick within their budget, so it's teaching them an important lesson as well." FILE: New York City, USA - Date Unknown: 4. Various of shoppers, commodities in supermarket 5. Various of consumers at cashiers USA - Recent: 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Madeline Torrisi, local resident (starting with shots 4-5): "I'd say I'm more cautious about it. And I'm like thinking about trying to like, obviously shop local, understanding, like what's made in America, and like trying not to buy from like super large companies like Amazon and Target." 7. Various of consumers at supermarket, products on display 8. SOUNDBITE (English) James Early, financial media commentator: "Customers have been waiting. In other words, people are nervous. They don't have a lot of money. They're just waiting for a sale." FILE: Los Angeles, USA - May 8, 2025: 9. Various of toys for sale FILE: New York City, USA - Date Unknown: 10. Various of people in shopping street [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]