Watch CBS News

Time's Up! Last-Minute Shoppers Pick Up Remaining Gifts On Christmas Eve

LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- It's Christmas Eve, and while many are at home with their families, some are in a mad dash to finish their holiday shopping.

As the countdown to Santa's visit ends, last-minute shoppers were out in full force Tuesday at the Kohl's in Timonium.

"Oh, I always wait until the last minute," one shopper said.

"Every year I try to avoid it, and it inevitably happens. Every single year," another said.

They're not alone; Saturday was the busiest shopping day in U.S. retail history with sales reaching $34.4 billion.

Some said they had every intention of starting early and some even did start early, but with hours to go, they were still searching for a few more things.

"We started (in) early October, but we still always kind of get the list down to the last day, last hour," a shopper said.

One thing most early birds and procrastinators alike can agree on: after Tuesday, they're done.

But the work will continue for retailers: a survey shows 77 percent of consumers plan to return some items they receive this holiday season.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.