Shop Worker Killed In Sales Rush

[Spike]

[shadow=black]A supermarket worker has been killed in a stampede of shoppers during the first day of America's traditional Christmas sales season.[/shadow]

The 34-year-old man was knocked to the ground as shoppers swept into the stores after forming long queues outside the door.

Police said shoppers "physically broke down the doors" when the Long Island Wal-Mart opened at 5am "knocking him (the shop worker) to the ground".

Four other people were taken to hospital, including a pregnant woman.

The fatality came as shoppers poured into stores around the country at the start of the traditional sales period which follows Thanksgiving.

The day is nicknamed Black Friday due to it being the busiest day of the year for retailers, often resulting in massive traffic jams and over-crowded stores.

But despite fears over the US economy many people turned up at shops which had extended their hours, some opening at midnight.

Experts believe it will remain one of the season's biggest selling days, even as shoppers remain deliberate in their spending.

"This is definitely a hit-and-run mentality," said Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. "They are running in, grabbing the deal and running out."