By Lakiesha McGhee, The Sacramento Bee, Calif. Mar. 19--Some people describe shopping as a sport. The best competitors know how to bargain hunt and wrestle with fellow shoppers when necessary.

By Jon Ortiz, The Sacramento Bee, Calif. Dec. 29--Procrastinators and bargain hunters boosted retail sales last week, giving merchants in the Sacramento region and around the country a strong finish to the holiday shopping season. Chain store sales for the seven days ending Dec.