With the weak economy, US shoppers are less inclined to buy. Store clerks ring up less sales as numbers for this year's shopping holiday season come in (file photo)

The final numbers are not in yet but, this year, US holiday sales have been disappointing. 

Industry analysts say preliminary data show total retail sales declined compared to last year's holiday season.

With the economy weak, many American consumers are spending less and that has prompted retailers to slash prices in a bid to survive.