Businesses say last-minute holiday shopping is up this year

AUSTIN, Texas — T’was three nights before Christmas, and people in Austin are out grabbing their last-minute holiday shopping items. Things from gifts to outfits, Austin businesses are seeing more people last-minute shopping this year than in years past.

“My mom, definitely like a bracelet or something like that. We’re going to go to the Domain later,” Austin resident, Drew Gossnel said. “My dad, just any shirts or shorts he can get, like pullovers.”

Diana Rosales is the manager of Toy Joy downtown. She said holiday shopping looks a lot different this year than last year.

“Especially right now, I think a lot of people are doing the last minute gift shopping,” she said. “I think a lot of people were more prepared (last year). They started shopping in November all the way to December.”

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She said more people are shopping online, and going into stores for last-minute items, but the shopping doesn’t end at gifts.

Sales Associate at Hemline, Camryn Spooner, said there’s been people this weekend shopping for what they’re going to wear on Christmas Eve, and Christmas day.

“So, some people have bought warmer outfits and they’re not realizing ‘I need a shorter dress or skirt’, or something like that,” she said.

Gossnel told CBS Austin he was shopping this weekend because he had just been paid, and finally had the time to do so. He said it’s almost better to wait to keep the suspense alive.

“It’s a good feeling if you have money to spend that on people you love. It’s cool to see them unpack it and be like ‘oh this is cool you got me this’ and keep it a surprise at the same time,” he said.

Stores told CBS Austin they expect the rush to continue through the morning of Christmas Eve.