Thousands Seek Last Minute Deals As Christmas Day Approaches
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The clock is ticking for shoppers looking to cash in on those last minute deals with Santa's visit is just around the corner.
WJZ's Derek Valcourt has more on the shopping frenzy.
A steady stream of people still scurry through the front doors at local shopping hot spots.
"So we're in here looking for the one thing our daughter wanted--a microphone," said one shopper.
With Santa's visit is just hours away, toys are the top priority for many.
"Gotta get her a little mermaid that goes in the bath tub and this is the only place that has it," said Mamie Gibson.
Wednesday's warmer and wet weather are dampening some spirits, but retailers still trying to make the best of it.
"It makes it more of a challenge to sell winter coats, but right now with people coming in with shorts and t-shirts and flip flops we are selling more than what we expected as far as cold weather gear," said Les Verhoek, a store manager at Boscov's.
But there are plenty who love the last minute rush and the thrill of shopping under pressure.
People light Will Woolston who says even though it's December 23rd, they will complete the task.
Last minute shoppers tend to spend more, but surveys shows many Americans remain focused on bargains and their bottom lines.
"It seems like that are buying smaller amounts, but they are shopping more," said Lisa Bisenius, White Marsh Mall General Manager. "I think they are checking their lists and coming back and just figuring it out as they go."
According to a Gallup Poll, the average American expects to spend $830 for gifts, that's up $110 dollars over last year.
A lot of that spending has been with online retailers like Amazon, who for the first time is offering their Prime members 2 hour delivery in some areas right up until midnight Christmas Eve if you use their Prime Now app.
Many stores will be opening on extended hours Thursday, but most of them closing up late tomorrow night.
A lot of bargains before Christmas, but many stores offering even bigger deals the day after Christmas as they try to prop up those years end sales figures.
