The shopping rush continues

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - One survey finds more than half of shoppers still haven't finished their holiday shopping; with one week left to go before Christmas.  

"I feel that it's been a much busier season this year, we're 20% way ahead of last year,” said Hannoush Jewelers Manager, Amy Gallant.

The owner of Greenfield Games says board games have been a big hit.  "Party games, party games have been really big, things like wits and wagers and boulder dash,” said Seth Lustig, inside his Hampshire Mall shop.

And expecting big sales, merchants will bring in extra help. The Saturday before Christmas, known to retailers as “Super Saturday,” fell on Christmas Eve last year.  Shoppers spent $12 billion, even though stores closed early. This year, consumers have an entire weekend before the holiday.

“It was very busy last year and I'm hoping it will be just as busy this year,” said Louis & Clark manager Tammy Abbott.

A Visa survey says that won't be hard as 73% of shoppers are still buying. Beth Knodler of Belchertown started shopping yesterday.

“I started very late; for the most part we've been able to find what we need. We've actually been able to price shop around a bit,” said Knodler in Hadley.

David Parody of Greenfield says he’s got plenty of time. “Oh yeah there's a still a week until Christmas. This is nothing; ordinarily I'm going Christmas Eve.”

Early predictions estimate shoppers will spend $18 billion this Saturday alone, topping Black Friday sales.