Various discounts spotted for last-minute shoppers

PITTSBURGH — Millions of shoppers are expected to cram the stores this weekend for the final push before Christmas.

"Procrastination. Habit. It's a habit, I guess," admits last-minute shopper Ian Lewis.

He's not alone.

A new poll from retailmenot.com found that nearly nine out of 10 shoppers buy gifts at the last minute, but waiting until the last minute is not necessarily a bad thing.

While some of the hottest items of the year may be sold out, Channel 11's Katherine Amenta spotted deep discounts at many stores.

Shopping experts said many retailers are trying to clear away winter inventory to make room for spring items.

"It's really common to see half-off deals for sweaters and they hope that you'll come in, buy your cheap sweater, and then go off and buy something else apparel wise," said CNBC consumer reporter Kelli Grant.

Many retailers are also offering extended shopping hours.

Sears and Kmart are open through Christmas Eve and have final three-day sales on jewelry and digital cameras.

Grant said retailers started off with a pretty good Black Friday, but now nervous consumers have some retailers a little concerned about their seasonal numbers, and they are now offering last-minute savings.

"You're probably going to find some really great deals out there. They might find that they need to do better deals down the line because nobody bought the things they were trying to get rid of this weekend," Grant said.

WPXI