Last-minute shoppers look for best deals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - If you still haven't completed your holiday shopping checklist... don't worry, you're not alone, and believe it or not, it is still possible to find great deals at local malls.

While children count down the days until Christmas, many adults continue to look for perfect holiday gifts.

Oliver Boothe of Springfield told 22News, he still has a few more gifts to find. He said, “Maybe some clothes... or may some accessories for the house.”

A national Consumer Reports survey found that 70% of shoppers will shop until closing time Christmas Eve, and western Massachusetts is no exception.

Veda Bleau, Sales Associate at Giftology in Eastfield Mall, told 22News “It's been a lot busier than it was around Thanksgiving. A lot more customers than last year, too. Everyone's really been coming in last minute.”

But the same survey warns some people may not go shopping at all.

Experts say lawmakers not finding a solution to the Fiscal Cliff before Christmas may have driven consumers to spend less this holiday season, but many shoppers in western Massachusetts told 22News, rather than not spending at all, they've tackled their holiday shopping with a plan.

Brenda Barrett of Belchertown said she finished all her shopping a few days ago, and she found discounted items.

“I get lots of coupons in the mail, so I have my little coupons with me all the time,” she said. “And the deals like today, the closer you get to Christmas the better the deals are.”

Debi Farnham of Wilbraham told 22News “I loved when you could go in and get a shirt buy one get one half price. A lot of the games and toys I picked up were marked down, so it was really good for us to stay within the budget.”

Last-minute shoppers can also look for small items like bracelets, earrings or phone cases. Those are likely to be on sale, and they easy to ship.