Last minute shoppers flock to stores

LETHBRIDGE- Last minute shoppers have taken over Park Place Mall but for those who always leave their shopping to the last minute, the long lines and busy parking lots shouldn’t be a surprise.

Jarod Neithercut is with Park Place Mall and says December is always a busy time of year.

“Obviously the last couple of days have been extremely busy, which is the norm. We’ve had a lot of shoppers the last couple of days panicking to get their shopping done.”

Things outside the mall are just as hectic.

Ruby Bannerman is a retail therapist at Real Deals Home Décor. She says procrastinators are just making their way into the store now and she seems to be seeing a trend.

“Its been busy, we’ve seen a lot of guys running in saying ‘what can I get? what can I get?’ and we are also on Facebook and we have women saying what they like and then the guys come in. Yesterday we had two guys come in and say they needed this particular thing while they told their wives they were at the car wash.”

When time is running out, Neithercut says its best to be  prepared, and go in with a plan.

“I’ve been in the same boat where you are looking around at stores and there’s so many different things to shop for and it just overwhelms you, so planning is definitely key, I think showing up as soon as the doors open is another huge factor in getting a good parking spot and getting what you need.”

You have until about 5 p.m. to finish off any last minute shopping when most stores and malls close.