Shopping season extended with sales

NEW YORK, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A challenging retail holiday season went into overtime on the day after Christmas with U.S. retailers slashing prices to attract customers.

SpendingPulse reported retail sales down as much as 4 percent from Nov. 1 through Christmas Eve, excluding gasoline sales.

Sales of high-end items were especially pinched. Electronics and appliance sales fell 26.7 percent, SpendingPulse said.

In response, J.C. Penny opened stores at 5:30 a.m. on Boxing Day, granting $15 off on purchases more than $75, The Washington Post reported Friday.

Macy's response to slumping sales included a free 19-inch flat screen TV with the purchase of a mattress set.

Some customers, however, were expecting better deals.

"We know the market pressures (facing retailers) and we're willing to walk away," said Anthony Madison of Forestville, Md., looking for a large flat-screen TV for under $1,000.

He was offered a 47-inch model for $897, but was told he would have to wait until Sunday for that price.

"I expected lower prices," he said, as he and his wife Kimberly told the Wal-Mart clerk they would think it over first.

"We'll see if we can beat that price," he said.