Shoppers rush to stores for last-minute holiday buys

If they wanted a break, they could watch the dancing tree do its thing.

Not too many places in the city will be open for Christmas Day on Thursday.

“Of course I waited to the last minute!” laughs Sydney Millen.

Major Hampton said, “We want everyone to take their time and prevent accidents from happening, so be respectful while you’re out driving in the parking lots”. With the warm weather we are having, look for good deals on cold weather items.

Last-minute shopping is the end to a season that started slow according to the US Census Bureau. And in this final week before the 25th, business is up 20% at the store compared to past year.

At the Kohl’s in Natomas, Devin Rifkin said shopping the night before Christmas Eve was actually an improvement for him.

Luckily, several stores will be open on Christmas Eve.

“It’s definitely stressful – especially when you’re working full time – and getting to the mall is definitely a hard task, I find”.

“There is not enough hours in the day and enough of me to go around”, said Chrissie Gray of Barboursville. It was easier buying gifts for her after shopping with her because I knew exactly what she wanted.

“I’m in a rush because I went to six other stores and they didn’t have it. So I’m like, ‘Ok, we found it, ‘” Estrada said.

“In keeping with previous years, the busiest day for Christmas shopping this year will be two days before Christmas where we are likely to see £1.3 billion spent on the high street”. Below is a list of stores open this Christmas Eve: Department Stores: J.C. Penney: Thursday has extended hours, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Kmart: Most stores will be open 6 a.m.to 10 p.m. Thursday.

Skyler Davis, Owner of Culture Shock, says “People realize they are out of time to buy online so they have to buy something in the real world so they come to their local stores”.

Wal-Mart in Swatara Township closes at 8 p.m. December 24 and is closed December 25.