markdowns

Holiday sales rose more than expected in 2009, offering a surprise gift to retailers still struggling from last year's devastating drop. Now inventories are heading up, suggesting an even better 2010.

If you do decide that shopping is the answer, you'll be set to save a lot in the coming weeks of post-holiday markdowns. Due to an unusually bad holiday season for retailers -- with sales down 19% to 21% for apparel, and 26% for electronics -- stores are making huge markdowns and coming up with...