The Washington Times

Worst Christmas shopping season since 2008

Washington played the Grinch that stole Christmas this year as the partisan impasse over the budget deficit instilled fear that the nation will fall over the “fiscal cliff,” dashing consumer holiday spirits and spending.

A shopper carries a bag past a holiday display at the Apple Store at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham, Mass. Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. This holiday shopping season, stores haven't been offering the same big discounts as they did in previous years as they tried to lure shoppers in with other incentives, but during the final days leading up to Christmas, shoppers will see more of those jaw-dropping "70 percent off" sale signs as stores try to salvage a season that so far has been disappointing. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

A shopper carries a bag past a holiday display at the Apple Store at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham, Mass. Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. This holiday shopping season, stores haven't been offering the same big discounts as they did in previous years as they tried to lure shoppers in with other incentives, but during the final days leading up to Christmas, shoppers will see more of those jaw-dropping "70 percent off" sale signs as stores try to salvage a season that so far has been disappointing. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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