MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) — Shop 'til you drop, that's what Mid-Southerners are doing two days before Christmas. They're pulling out their wallets and heading to the mall to get in last minute shopping. The result: retailers say they're raking in hundreds more than what they did last year.
"I woke everybody up this morning with a big pot and spoon and said ‘Get up! Get up! Get breakfast and let’s go!’ We came shopping as a family," said one shopper, Richard Baugh.
So why wait until the very last minute to shop?
“Because I procrastinate about everything I do and I just really didn’t have time,” said Baugh.
"I always do last minute shopping. They're the best gifts and you get good sales," said another shopper, Sandra Rucker.
"Oh love to do last minute shopping. I always go Christmas Eve or the day before because I like the crowds, the spirit, and I just enjoy it,” said shopper Charles Giordano.
Retailers didn’t mind the crowds.
"Shopping's been good, it's been real steady,” said Oak Court Mall General Manager Jeff Dozier. “The International Council of Shopping Centers forecasts that there’s a 2.2 increase across the country and I think we're at that level or above it here.”
So far people have spent hundreds of dollars more this year than last year.
"I’ve spent about $400 to $500 dollars,” said Rucker.
“I probably spent between $3,000 and $5,000 dollars," said Baugh.
Besides spending money, shoppers say they just love getting into the Christmas spirit.
"If I'm being recorded, Merry Christmas everybody,” said Baugh.
If you still need to do any last minute Christmas shopping, Oak Court Mall will stay open Friday, December 23 until 9 p.m. The mall opens Saturday morning and closes at 6pm. Christmas Day the mall is closed. Surrounding restaurants will be open on Sunday.
