While some American consumers are winding down their holiday shopping experience, many admit they still face the task, according to a new national survey from electronics retailer Circuit City Stores, Inc. More than 4,200 men and women responded to Circuit City's holiday survey*. Twenty-six percent said they complete their holiday shopping a month or more in advance. Forty-four percent acknowledged they are still shopping within one week of the holiday. Additional results from the Circuit City survey: * Eighteen percent said they don't finish shopping until the day befor he holiday. * Men deserve their reputation as last-minute shoppers. More than 20percent of men admit they fall into the "day-before shopper" category,compared to 16 percent of women. Circuit City's survey also offers some consolation for last minute shoppers who just don't know what to give. Gift cards are no longer regarded as impersonal, "easy-way-out" gifts. Gift cards were found to be a hot item on wish lists this year. * Eighty-two percent said they like to receive gift cards. * Women like to receive gift cards even more than men; 87 percent o omen versus 76 percent of men. * Eighty-two percent said the main reason they like to receive gift card s so they can choose the gift they want, when they want it. Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips: With Christmas fast approaching in just 24 days, Circuit City offered tips for last-minute shoppers, along with a list of 24 gift ideas for less than $24.00 (see list below). Circuitcity.com is designed to be a quick resource for information and products that friends and family will love. Circuit City's holiday shopping guide, "Gifts made simple," can help consumers choose the perfect gift -- even at the last minute. Gift ideas are presented in various price ranges and for different age groups (gifts for kids, teens and adults). Customers can order and pick up last minute gifts with Circuit City's fast and convenient 24/24 Pickup Guarantee(SM)**. This enhanced industry-leading in-store pickup feature guarantees that Web orders placed for in-store pickup will be ready within 24 minutes, or customers will receive a $24 gift card. Customers can use this feature through 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Items ordered online that day need to be picked up before stores close at 6:00 p.m. local time. Check out these 24 great gifts found at Circuit City this holiday season for less than $24: (Check store or circuitcity.com for latest pricing.) * Epson Storyteller(TM): This handy kit has everything you need to convert your digital photos into a beautiful, hard-bound glossy photo book. * NexxTech(TM) Coffee Warmer: Perfect for around the house or the office, this compact warmer with rubber feet always ensures a warm cup of coffee. * Centrios(TM) Talking Pedometer with Personal Alarm: Tracks total steps, distance and calories burned. * Digital Lifestyle Outfitters Flip Clip for iPod(R) shuffle: This upright snap-on clip secures the shuffle and headphones safely to a belt, bag, pocket or shirt. The sturdy construction protects the backside of the shuffle from scratches and nicks. * NexxTech(TM) Transparent LCD World Time Clock: This contemporary transparent LCD clock features a polished aluminum turntable base to select displayed time from 12 time zones. * NexxTech(TM) 3-in-1 Invisible Ink Pen: Mark proof of ownership on your household items without defacing them; built-in lamp illuminates the special ink, visible only under UV light. * Mattel 6-Volt Radio-Controlled Mustang: Full-function radio control with forward, reverse, stop, and left and right turns. Range of 60 feet. * Centrios(TM) Golf Mate Electronic Score Card: Stores data for four courses. * Anika Camcorder Bag: This stylish bag fits camcorders up to 5" x 7" x 4" and has three large exterior pockets to hold batteries, cables, tapes and other accessories. * NexxTech(TM) Nature Clock Radio: This clock radio features a compact tabletop design, analog AM/FM tuner, green LED display, AC operation and three relaxing nature sounds: forest, seagulls and waterfall. * Live Bingo Imagination DVD TV Game: Features rich 3D graphics, "live" Bingo calls and a dynamic sound track. * Franklin English-Spanish Translator: Contains more than 600,000 translations and 2,000 phrases. It includes spelling and grammar check, a calculator, a clock with local and world time, games and automatic shut-off. * Centrios(TM) 10-Second Talking Photo Frame: Record a ten-second message to make an already personal gift even more special. * Avenues Scope Camera Case: This slim, foam-padded case is perfect for a compact digital camera. Store accessories safely in the mesh pocket. Includes hideaway shoulder strap and belt loop offer convenient carrying options. * NexxTech(TM) Blue Bug Massager: This cute, lightweight bug offers a powerful massage that eases the tension and stress of a long day. * NexxTech(TM) Memo LED Recorder Keychain: Features a 20-second memory chip to record important thoughts and reminders. The ultra-bright LED light helps find a keyhole in the dark. * NexxTech(TM) Unique Desktop Alarm Clock: This one of a kind clock has matrix digital date, time and message display that acts as a calendar. It also features a three-color (red, blue and green) LED backlight. * "Madagascar" (DVD) * "The Polar Express" (DVD) * "War of the Worlds" (DVD) * "The Dukes of Hazzard" (DVD): Available December 6. * Black Eyed Peas' "Maximum Black Eyed Peas" (CD) * Kenny Chesney's "Road and the Radio" (CD) * Mariah Carey's "Emancipation of Mimi" (CD) *The Circuit City holiday survey was commissioned by Circuit City Stores, Inc. and conducted on the Internet by Decision Analyst, Inc. of Arlington, Texas. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 2%. **The 24 minute Guarantee applies from timestamp on order confirmation email until the time order is ready for customer pickup. Guarantee excludes customer wait time in store lines. Offer valid on orders placed at circuitcity.com or by phone during pickup store's normal operating hours up to 30 minutes prior to closing. Guarantee not valid the day after Thanksgiving, 12/26 or 12/27. $25 minimum purchase. One $24 gift card offered per qualifying in-store pickup ticket, which must be claimed at time of pickup and is good for future purchases. About Circuit City Stores, Inc. Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics. The domestic segment operates through 625 Superstores and five mall-based stores in 157 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through more than 930 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com and http://www.thesourcecc.ca. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010709/CCLOGO )

Source: PR Newswire