Retailers reported dismal sales figures for December yesterday as even Wal-Mart Stores Inc., one of the bright spots in the industry, finally buckled under the pressures of the deteriorating economy.

As bills start piling up in consumers’ mailboxes, retailers are tallying receipts from one of the most difficult holiday shopping seasons in years and planning ahead to an uncertain new year.

As bills start piling up in consumers’ mailboxes, retailers across central Virginia nation are tallying receipts to see whether holiday sales were as bad as predicted. Early indications and preliminary numbers aren’t good. Some consultants are predicting that thousands of stores will be closed in the coming year. Retailers are expected to report monthly sales Thursday.