Last-minute shoppers flock to U.S. stores on Christmas Eve

Shoppers _ some holding out for the best deals, others just not inspired to shop earlier _ headed for the nation's malls and stores for last-minute gifts and gift cards on Saturday, the day before &to=http://english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/101/399/14756_Christmas.html ' target=_blank>Christmas.

With shoppers delaying their holiday shopping even longer than last year, merchants are depending even more on the final hours before Christmas and post-holiday business to salvage the season. The exceptions have been online shopping, sellers of consumer electronics, and luxury stores, which have continued to generate strong gains.