Storms Threaten to Wipe Out Retailers' Last Hopes

Retailers were extending hours and cutting prices deeper in a last-ditch attempt to attract a final wave of holiday shoppers and mitigate the impact of major storms in the Midwest, Northwest and Northeast, Reuters reports. Some two-thirds of shoppers still have holiday shopping left to do, according to surveys, but the storms may further cut their already-meagre lists. The bad weather is hitting at the worst possible time as stores struggle with flagging sales amid a major economic downturn.
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