Crisis-hit Venezuela forces stores to hold Christmas sales

Caracas

EVER since Venezuelan government agents put up a giant "Sale" sign in his storefront, crowds have been lining up outside Juan Vieira's shoe shop.

But he's having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. "What good is it to sell shoes if I'm giving away my product?"

Stuck in a nasty economic crisis, Venezuela is facing a Scrooge-worthy Christmas this year.

The world's highest inflation rate has gutted Venezuelans' incomes and chronic shortages have left them struggling to buy food, let alone presents.

Seeking to spread some cheer, President Nicolas Maduro's s…