The day before Christmas saw a mix of last-minute shoppers and those enjoying holiday traditions at malls and stores across the country. At Levis Commons in Perrysburg, Ohio, the number of shoppers seemed lower than in previous years, a change noted by regulars. “I’m actually kind of surprised.
I was able to grab a spot really up close here, so I was very pleased,” said Kim Priestap. “I expected a lot more cars, a lot more hustle, but at this point, I haven’t seen a lot. I just came off the turnpike, it’s pretty quiet.”
Despite the growing trend of online shopping, some shoppers still found deals that enticed them to visit brick-and-mortar stores.
Angela Maxwell and her daughter, Maci, were at Levis Commons not for holiday shopping but to indulge themselves, having already ordered their gifts online. “We got a buy-one, get-one 70% off for some earrings, so that made me spend more money than I was expecting. It was pretty good,” Maci said.
In Syracuse, New York, the scene was a bit more hectic. Marie Jones, who normally has her shopping done well in advance, found herself dealing with crowds as she searched for last-minute gifts. “It’s crazy,” Jones said.
Shoppers’ last-minute holiday rush
“Normally, I have it done way ahead of time, but this year I’ve done the last-minute shopping, so I’m dealing with the crowds.”
For others, like Amanda Martino, last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve is an annual tradition. Martino and her father have been shopping together on this day since she was 2 years old.
“It’s been a ritual. It’s my one special day that I get to spend with just my dad. I don’t have to share it with my mom, my brother, or my husband.
It’s just our day,” Martino said. At Queens Center Mall in New York City, shoppers flocked to stores in search of last-minute deals and bargains. The mall opened at 8 a.m. and was expected to get busier as the day went on.
“We start going through the list, we start wrapping gifts and then you realize, wait a second, I missed somebody, or I think I should get them something else, so that’s what happens,” said shopper Jessica Zayas. Business owners in the mall also hoped to cash in on the final stretch of shoppers. Shayna Salomon of ILY Clothing said, “Everyone is looking for last-minute gifts today, so we’re just trying to make sure everyone has what they want.”
As the holiday season comes to a close, shoppers across the country have found a mix of convenience, deals, and personal touches in their last-minute shopping experiences.
While some enjoy the tradition and excitement of shopping on Christmas Eve, others look forward to a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere as they wrap up their holiday preparations.
