Retail sales numbers for Black Friday this year gave many retailers hope that the holiday shopping season would not be as bad as expected. However, the rest of the holiday shopping numbers didn’t do so well. To entice shoppers into their stores, many retail stores had similar or identical deals as those offered on Black Friday. Unfortunately, those deep discounts didn’t help out retailers much in what amounted to a very dismal holiday shopping season for 2008.

If you chose to wait for after-Christmas sales, got gift cards or cash and plan to do some shopping - you are in luck! Many top retailers have slashed prices on already deeply discounted items even further and we are not talking about Christmas ornaments or that ugly sweater you got. We’re talking about further price reductions on brand-name apparel and even high-end electronics. Be sure to check out sale prices from Macy’s, Target, Walmart, Sears, Circuit City and more.

Don’t worry about big crowds either as recent weather conditions (snow) throughout most of the country and with many people heading back to work today, there won’t be much competition. You most likely be able to find exactly what you want without much hassle in the store or online.

Get out there, save (& spend) some money and don’t forget to use a reward credit card on every purchase!

Get Ready. Get Set. GO with American Express’s My Wishlist. This holiday season is going to be the best one yet when you use My Wishlist. My Wishlist is only available to American Express cardmembers. Here’s how the program works:

1. Register at mywishlist.amexnetwork.com
2. Watch the video to make sure you understand how My Wishlist works
3. Start buying hot products and featured products at unbelievable deals

It really pays to have an American Express card…especially during the holidays. Join the AMEX network to make sure you are connected with the hottest products and the lowest prices this holiday shopping season.

My Wishlist is a personalized website that lets you do your holiday shopping online. The website is easy to use and you’ll be sure to get the lowest prices. There are hot products, featured products and Wish certificates to choose from. You can buy hot products three times a day. The calendar at the top of the page let’s you know when these products will be on sale for ‘hot’ prices. You can know exactly when you need to log-in and secure unbelievable deals with one simple click.

Featured products are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These products are available while supplies last. You can buy featured products at the special cardholder rate with the touch of a button.

Wish certificates are available three times a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can get up to 25 percent off from name brand retailers from around the nation. Choose the Wish certificate you want, click ‘Unlock to begin’, enter your card number and click ‘I want it.’ It’s that simple.

Get Hot Products and Wish Certificates three times a day (while supplies last) in just three simple steps. You can get featured products any time throughout the promotion. You can find even more exclusive offers when you shop using My Wishlist. It will really pay to be an American Express cardholder this holiday season when you use My Wishlist.