It’s projected by the National Retail Federation, a record 247 million shoppers spent an average of $423 (a total of $59.1 billion) over Black Friday weekend. However, this amount is based on a consumer survey and some people question the overall consequences of Black Friday sales for the overall holiday.

This chart below, based on U.S. Commerce Department data, shows that Black Friday sales are not always indicative of the overall health of the holiday spending season.