Retailers set to usher in holiday season (AP)

The nation's retailers were set to usher in the start of the holiday season Friday with expanded hours, generous discounts and free money in the form of gift cards. In a slowing but still steady economy, retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. were increasing the sales pitch to shoppers, hoping to grab customer dollars before the competition does. A growing number of stores and malls even threw open their doors at midnight to jump-start the season. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, which promised ...