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Holiday sales were as bad as they have been since folks started keeping track, and the future is not any brighter for retailers, a story in today's LA Daily News says. Retail sales dropped 2.7 percent in December, which is more than twice was experts predicted. In coming months more retailers will file for bankruptcy, close stores and layoff employees.

The story continues: "'Consumers are in deep hibernation, and there is no sign that they will wake up this spring or that the retail outlook will pick up anytime soon,' said C. Britt Beemer of the America's Research Group in Charleston, S.C."

Consumer spending adds up to about two-thirds of "total economic activity," the story says. Which means the less we spend the more we contribute to the recession, except that it wasn't consumer spending that got us into this mess.

So why should consumers go into debt to get us out of it?

Sharondipity, a moderate to upscale gift shop in Woodland Hills, is marking down almost their entire store by 30 percent to make room for new inventory.

The sale includes jewelry, picture frames, dishware and purses. Holiday decorations are 50 percent off. Sale items are final sale and do not include gift wrap.

A few items are not on sale, including some fine jewelry, select candles, and Eco water bottles. The sale started yesterday and goes for about two more weeks, an employee said.

Sharondipity accepts cash, credit, and checks. Hours are 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Visit them at 22563 Ventura Blvd. at Sale Ave. 818-225-1018.

Banana Republic has a daily "bag grab giveaway" through Feb. 10, 2009. Play by registering your email, name and gender on their site.

After registering, click on the "play" button and images of three purses will flip, showing various bags. If, when they slow down, they all land on the same bag, you win. You can play once a day.

Over the course of the contest Banana Republic is giving away 36 bags, so your odds are not great. But I bet the giveaway will attract a lot of shoppers.

I played yesterday and got a coupon code for 20 percent a purchase of $125 or more. Today I played again and got nada. Maybe lady luck will be with me tomorrow.

Thanks, Sue!

Get 40% off the list price of one book at Borders stores with their free membership program. Expires Jan. 6, 2009. Some caveats.

Many, many items are 50% off at Lucky Brand Jeans across the country, including demin, sweatshirts, and clothes for men, women and kids. An employee was unsure how long the sale was going to last. Price adjustments are also available for recent purchases (technically they have to be within the past 15 days, you may be able to talk your way into a reimbursement for an older purchase). Final sale.

Get 25% off almost everything at MAC online today through Jan. 8 as part of the friends and family sale. Some caveats. Use code MACFF9.

Get 40% off regular-priced merchandise at Michael's through Jan. 10. Some exclusions so read the fine print.

The luxury lingerie store Faire Frou Frou in Studio City is having a blowout sale. While much of the lingerie costs more than $100, they do have underwear for $6 (orig $22).

What good coupons am I missing? Please share yours by leaving a comment. Thanks!

Sales in November and December dropped 1.5 to 2 percent, the first decline since the International Council of Shopping Centers began tracking holiday sales.

The dismal shopping season means thousands of stores could close as part of retailer streamlining and bankruptcy filings in 2009.

Yes, Virginia, it does. Read the story from the NY Times.

Yahoo lists the sales major retailers are having post-Christmas. Thanks, Harrison!

Retailers are asking President-elect Barack Obama for tax-free shopping days as part of a retailer bailout package. But will it happen?