Only 7 Shopping Days to the End

Stores count on holiday procrastinators
By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK - Get ready for the final showdown between the nation's retailers and consumers. With Dec. 25 only a week away, many stores are finding themselves in the same position as in recent years, counting on those procrastinators to meet their sales goals even amid early reports of a strong shopping weekend.

With some notable exceptions, stores have generally stuck to planned discounts throughout the holiday season, not buckling to pressures from shoppers who are waiting for the best deals. That's good news for retailers' fourth-quarter profits. Read more here.