. >> reporter: jairo said there are a nuchl factors that kept -- number of factors that kept consumers from spending. >> there was a lot of distraction from the sandy hook and people are very good at waiting for those bargains. >> reporter: despite signs advertising deep discounts, jairo said that may mott be deep enough and some shoppers said while they waned to buy, they -- wanted to buy, they ended up not spending much. >> i didn't buy anything. >> reporter: the week between christmas and if you years is crucial for retailers. despite a surging bay area economy, sales are expected to drag on national retailers. in san francisco, christian cap, ktvu channel 2 news. >>> president obama is expected to head back to washington from hawaii tonight. today, house speaker john boehner said it's up to the senate to pass legislation to avoid the steep cuts and tax hikes that are set to take effect january 2nd. some observers say it looks likely the u.s. will go over that cliff allowing lawmakers then to vote to lower taxes after they first go up. >> to make them look better? to appease voters?