Some shoppers get their holiday shopping done early to relieve stress, but they typically don't score the best deals, 6News' Sarah Cornell reported.

Holiday Gift Guide

"As the holidays come around, you get strapped for cash, so I wait for deals," said shopper Zach Jaggers.

Retailers hope more shoppers are employing that strategy this year. Otherwise, the holiday shopping season appears bleak for stores.

While some stores, such as Meijer, have reported increased sales, most retailers have reported the opposite.

The dip in sales has been blamed on the weather and the economy, but some think shoppers are simply waiting for things to get cheaper.

"It really is a question of who needs who more. Does the shopper need the retailer more, or does the retailer need the shopper more," said Dan McQuiston, a Butler University marketing professor. "The retailer needs the shopper more, so at some point, you're going to see some more discounts."

Meijer is taking a different approach with sale items this year, placing several different items on sale instead of slashing prices of a couple of big-ticket items.

"That way, they can pick and choose whatever they want versus putting a particular TV on sale," said store manager Dave Poletti. "That way, they have a large selection."

Retailers expect to keep offering deals throughout the holiday shopping season, offering buy one, get one free specials and deeply discounting numerous items.

"I don't want to wait that long. I want to get it done," said shopper Patty Bowman. "I don't want to fight those crowds."

The Saturday before Christmas is typically the busiest shopping day of the year.