Leading US retailers are this year expanding their Christmas sales drive by targeting smartphone users through the new generation of mobile devices such as the Apple iPhone, the Palm Pre and BlackBerry's Storm.
Retailers that have started selling online via smartphones this year include mass discounters Walmart and Kmart, lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret, home goods store Crate & Barrel, and youth clothing chains American Eagle and Urban Outfitters.
Others, including JC Penney, Target, Gap and Toys R Us have launched smartphone applications, or apps, that promote deals alongside services such as helping customers locate physical stores or check the availability of items.