Discounts abound as stores try to salvage season

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BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 23: A Christmas shopper buys last minute items on the high street on December 23, 2006 in Bath, England. With just two days to go before Christmas, the streets are full of people as they are finishing their …
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Posted: 12/21/2012

By: Anne D'innocenzio
By: Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - When it comes to fat holiday discounts, better late than never.

This holiday shopping season, many stores haven't been offering the same blockbuster deals as they have in years past. Instead, they've dangled offers of free shipping and no-fee layaways to lure shoppers.

But during the final weekend before Christmas, shoppers should expect to see more "70 percent off" and "buy one, get one free" signs as stores try to salvage a season that so far has been disappointing.

Aeropostale has slashed prices on everything in its stores by 60 percent. Saks Fifth Avenue is cutting prices on some designer clothing up to 60 percent. And Children's Place is offering up to 75 percent off on its website.