. >> reporter: wk into any clothingtore, and it's clear the crial holidaseason is fast aroaching. despite sweltering temratures outside, you'll findlenty of winter ite inside. but shoppers may nice some subtle changes in the merchandise mix. off-price retailer daf's, for example, is offering more practical clothing and less gh fashion. the compans president, marcia wilson, says that's at customers want >> i think that ere's a definite cnge in the mindset of the consumer. and i think that trey items that are going to lastne season are not gng to be quite asalatable to them as something clasc that they can ar season after season. >> reporter:acy's, on the otr hand, is tailoring merchandisto specific stores. cashiers keep track of t sellers d customer requests to stock the sales floo accordingly. many mchants, even luxury chains le saks and coach, are offering more lower-priced gds to entice custers. thesaren't the only changes mercnts are making as they try to cope th the weak economy. many stores e reducing inventy. they'd rher run out of hot items than rk heavy markdowns athe end