Consumers are out shopping, but they are not buying as many items, nor are they spending as much per item. That trend also applies for the higher end and mid-range gifts.
Retailers are more scared of getting stuck with unsold merchandise than they are making money, so the sales are getting better as time goes on.
An analyst interviewed by the Associated Press expects if these trends continue, sales will get better still.
The lesson for this holiday season is don't do today what you can put off till tomorrow.
