The after-Christmas shopping crowd disappointed many retailers Friday as consumers continued to save their money. For many businesses, this year's holiday shopping season was anything but merry.
DETAILS, Business Section
>>> Local retailers offered steep price cuts, but a Black Friday-type crowd never materialized. Crowds at retailers were thin in the early morning hours but grew during the day.
>>> Lines for gift returns at major retailers were relatively short, as better tracking systems for purchases made for faster transactions.
>>> Nationwide, retailers had one of their worst holiday shopping seasons in decades.
>>> Shoplifting is rising in Tampa because of the sour economy.
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