Worries about high gas prices, home heating bills and rising interest rates have made many merchants nervous that shoppers will be tight-fisted with their holiday spending this year. Many store chains chalk up more than half their annual sales and profits in November and December alone, hence the term "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally marks the season when stores start moving into the black. With all the uncertainty, though, it's not surprising that stores are taking some unusual steps this year in a bid to jump-start holiday sales. The Internet will play a bigger role this season, with many more people expected to do their holiday shopping online and e-tailers getting ready for "Cyber Monday."

Last-minute gift ideas and tips on tipping in our Holiday Money Special Report.