Retailers made you wait a little longer for the holiday sales this season.

After watching an encouraging report of “slashed prices” and “inventory liquidation” nationwide on the NBC Nightly News, I expected to go to the mall Dec. 26 and walk away with bags and bags full of nearly free clothes, cookware and goodies. Things didn’t exactly go that way.

I should’ve known when I walked into the Maine Mall in South Portland (near my parents’ home) that something was wrong. First of all, I found a parking space less than a mile away from Macy’s. Second, I didn’t have to elbow my way to the clearance rack. And third, when I got there, I had to double check to be sure I was, in fact, at the clearance rack after I saw the price tags.

Undaunted, I set off for the Gap, debit card in hand, ready to buy the cowl-neck sweater I’d coveted since I first saw it. It originally cost $68, about the price of three similarly cool sweaters at T.J. Maxx. I waited, knowing the price would go down after Christmas. And it did. To $50.

Now, last time I checked, $50 was neither “slashed” nor “liquidation.” But, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. The price went down to $24.99 last week, and I took that as a sign that the sweater and I were meant to be together, so I bought it.

Many of my shopping-savvy pals have had similar experiences in recent weeks. It could be that retailers are trying to make up for revenue losses suffered after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Perhaps waiting to chop prices was a wise way to take advantage of the post-holiday shopping blitz, but I, for one, wasn’t buying.

I’ve seen prices creep down slowly, and I hope they continue to do so. But until I can distinguish between the clearance rack and the new arrivals, my wallet and I are staying home.

For all sizes

Several area shoppers have recently written to suggest shops that sell petite and plus-size clothing. An anonymous shopper wrote that Lands’ End seems to have a better selection for petites than L.L. Bean (Call 800-963-4816 for a catalog or visit www.landsend.com). Lynn Miner, who owns Twice Is Nice Consignments in Belmont, just outside Belfast, e-mailed to say that she has a good selection of quality petite-to-plus-size garments. And Mim Hart of Hampden, who wears petite clothing, suggested Nordstrom. She had high praise for their “wonderful sales, too.” Call 800-804-0860 for a catalog or visit www.nordstrom.com.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

I would love to buy my husband a digital camera for Christmas, but may have to wait until the post-holiday sales. If you see any good deals on one in your travels …

You’re doing a great job and service to the readers, thanks.

– Robin Stover

Dear Robin,

I figured I’d answer this after Christmas so I wouldn’t spoil the surprise. I just hope it’s not too late.

I asked several amateur and professional photographers for advice, and all of them recommended the same camera: Nikon Coolpix. It comes in four models: 775, 885, 995 and 5000, which have varying features. I couldn’t find the 5000 locally, so for purposes of this article, I’m going to ignore it. You can find out more about it at www.nikonusa.com.

The main thing that sets each model apart is the number of megapixels it can capture. In layshopper’s terms, the number of megapixels determines how much digital information is included in the photograph, which in turn determines how large you can print the photograph without it looking grainy or blown-out.

The Coolpix also doubles as a makeshift movie camera. The 775 can shoot a 15-second movie that you can play back on your computer. The 885 and 995 both can record up to 40 seconds. The 995 has a swiveling “viewfinder” monitor, which allows you to take pictures from any level without having to, say, lie down on the ground or jump up in the air to see what you’re shooting.

Regardless of where you shop, you’re probably not going to find any “deals” on the Coolpix models. They rarely go on sale, though there’s a $100 rebate on the 995 right now. The 775 has a suggested price of $399.95, and is available at Sears, Best Buy and Circuit City in Bangor. The 885 costs about $599.95 and is available at Best Buy and Circuit City. The 995 costs about $899.95 before the $100 rebate and is available at Best Buy and Circuit City.

You could go with a less expensive camera – almost all of the major manufacturers sell a bottom-of-the-line model for well under $100 – but you and your husband will most likely be disappointed with the photo quality and the camera’s limited capabilities within a few weeks. If you opt for another model, be sure to check the features and suggested retail price online before you shop, because an informed shopper always gets the best deal.

Please let me know what you find. Happy shopping!

What’s at the top of ShopGirl’s wish list? Your questions, comments and suggestions. Send correspondence to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329 or e-mail kandresen@bangordailynews.net.