(AP) — The Thanksgiving weekend gave the nation’s retailers a solid start to the holiday season, but stores that expected shoppers to have less interest in bargain-hunting were disappointed.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other discounters had the strongest sales, attracting crowds with specials on TVs, DVD players and toys. Department stores and mall-based apparel retailers were discounting less than they did last year, and their business was uneven.

“Sales appear to be better than last year, but the consumer is still value-oriented and is looking for sales,” said Walter Loeb, who runs his own New York-based retail consulting firm.