If you waited until the last minute on Christmas Eve to do your holiday shopping, you’re probably not alone. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, 17 million Americans were out at the malls Monday.
At the 5th Avenue Mall in Downtown Anchorage, the Oil & Vinegar store was doing brisk business and packed with Christmas shoppers.
“Extra inventory -- we actually got a second shipment in that’s helped us get through this busy time,” said Brent Rose, the store's owner. “We’re starting to get a little thin in places but we have enough to finish out the season.”
As Santa finishes up his list and checks it twice before his big trip on Christmas Eve, the florist elves at Bagoy’’s Florist & Home were finishing up all their last-minute orders.
“They were in here early about 7:30 a.m. starting up to get the first run of drivers in -- now they’re just racing to get the last-minute of it all done,” said Bagoy’s owner, Chanda Mines.
Mines said Christmas Eve is an essential day this holiday season for her business.
“There are about 75 deliveries that will go out of this store, just on that first run today -- by 4 p.m. we’ll start shutting things down,” Mines said.
While most stores get a break on Christmas Day, on Wednesday retailers will prepare for gift returns, post-holiday sales and New Year’s sales.
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