Holiday shoppers were out in force hoping to get last minute bargains for Christmas but early indications suggest they didn't spend as much as in previous years. Despite a slew of deep discounts - some retailers say 2012 has not been a great year. Around the world, shoppers appeared subdued - not sure about what their economies might bring them in the New Year.
At U.S. shopping centers, parking lots were full - as thousands of last minute shoppers descended into crowded malls.
But the big crowds mask larger concerns. Consumer confidence has fallen to a 6-month low, and retailers say shoppers don't seem to be spending as much.
Dana Mattioli covers retail trends at the Wall Street Journal. "All the retailers are in panic
