• by Sarah Mahoney , December 16, 2010

Procrastination may be a recession-proof character trait, but this year, retailers seem to be working a little harder to woo those last-minute shoppers.

Lands' End, for example, just launched a Procrastination Destination Hotline with personal shoppers, live video chat, and more gift-wrap options. Toys R Us announced it would stay open for 88 hours straight, beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 until 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. And even 7-Eleven -- the last refuge of foot-dragging men -- is pushing its gift options, from gift cards and lottery tickets to video games, DVDs and CDs, wine, candy, and this year, Snuggies "and other As Seen on TV items."

While November was a great month for many retailers as shoppers stocked up on early bargains, the final countdown is critical -- especially because many people are still wary about the economy. In fact, 31% of Americans feel worse about their finances this year than they did last year, according to the latest confidence poll from Consumer Reports. And while half are enthusiastic about the holiday season, the magazine reports that shoppers will still spend less (about $20 less, or $679 per person.)

Lands' End says its research has found that 49% of people consider themselves to be procrastinators, and 88% still had gifts to purchase this holiday season. More than half will wait until just a few days before Christmas to purchase their last gift. And 20% love that 11th-hour adrenaline, and say they will buy presents on Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day.

Separately, the Dodgeville, Wis.-based brand says it is donating yarn to knitters and crocheters around the country, who will produce blankets for needy people. Part of its second annual Lands' End FeelGood campaign, the giveaway is linked to sales of FeelGood sweaters.

For every sweater sold, the Sears-owned brand donates its signature FeelGood yarn to Warm Up America!, a nationwide knitting charity dedicated to knitting and crocheting blankets for families in need. Volunteers produce 7-inch-by-9-inch squares, which are then connected by Warm Up America! to make an estimated 1,300 blankets.