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.

In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 photo, a woman browses through a display of jewelry on sale at a J.C. Penney store in Las Vegas. In the midst of the busy holiday shopping season, when retailers can make up to 40 percent of their sales, promotions are actually down 5 percent year over year so far, according to BMO Capital market's sales rack index. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 photo, a woman browses through a display of jewelry on sale at a J.C. Penney store in Las Vegas. In the midst of the busy holiday shopping season, when retailers can make up to 40 percent of their sales, promotions are actually down 5 percent year over year so far, according to BMO Capital market's sales rack index. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

More Photo Galleries

Happening Now