OMAHA, N.E. (KELO) – Later this week we enter the all-important Christmas buying season…but will the sales be there?

Retailers are trying to get a jump on competitors with “Pre-Black Friday” sales.

Retail sales fell last month for the first time since March, and Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says buying patterns so far aren’t very encouraging…

Retailers count on fourth-quarter sales to make their year.

Goss says there may be some disappointments ahead.