"December 18, 2013 11:32 PM | 864 views | 0 | 17 | | By Associated PrNEW YORK ??? Sparse crowds at malls and ???50 percent off??? signs at The Gap, Ann Taylor and other stores give a clue as to how the holiday season is going.This is shaping up to be the most discount-driven holiday season since the country was in a deep recession." . . . .