Last Minute Shoppers Crowd Valley Stores

If you haven’t bought your Christmas gifts by now, you’ve probably given up.

“Last minute. Few things,” says last-minute shopper Freddy Fernandez.

“I’m doing last minute shopping,” says Ellie Wiener.

But there was still heavy foot traffic in just about every aisle of Target in Palm Desert. People not out looking for a deal, but to cross off that last person from their shopping list. Big items. Small items. All being scanned and whisked away, to be home and wrapped by Christmas day. For some people, it was out of necessity.

“I work kind of long hours, a lot of doubles and stuff so this time it’s been hard for me to get out and do some shopping,” said Jeff Reyerse.

“Usually I’m pretty good at it but this year I’m laid back,” said Dana Nickel.

For Matt Wechter, waiting for the last minute to Christmas shop is what he’s always done.

“Every single year.Because I’m a complete procrastinator and I have no qualms about it,” Wechter said.

Even though stores are busy, there is hope for procrastinators trying to avoid the crowds on Christmas Eve. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, only about 12% of shoppers say they will buy their last gift on December 24th. Instead, the majority already finished their holiday shopping last week.

“The crowds haven’t been a big problem for me. I stay away from the mall. I go to Target or Bed Bath & Beyond and places like that. It’s less of a problem, less of a parking problem,” said Wechter.

If you’re an 11th hour shopper, time is running out. So take Ellie Weiner’s advice and plan ahead for next year.

“Don’t do it! Have today off. This should be your rest day,” she says.