Last Minute Shopping

By Max Seigle - WIFR Channel 23 - 12/24/2008

"I've been out since about 11 today." And more than four hours later, Misty Hathcoat was still going strong at the Cherryvale Mall, fighting the clock for Christmas shopping. "Economics, financials and just work in general keeps you all busy," Hathcoat said. And Hathcoat wasn't alone on this home stretch for holiday buys. Many others "bagged" it up too. By mid afternoon, there were packed parking lots at the mall and drivers circling to find a space. Back inside the mission continues, and for some shoppers, coming late paid off. "We went to Kohls and saw sweaters for 60 percent off. It's definitely been worth it," Shopper Jessie Smith said. There was more bargain hunting at Rockford's Goodwill store that's becoming more popular with holiday shoppers. "Our sales are up close to double digits indicating that people are shopping a little more with cost in mind," Samuel Schmitz said. Schmitz says folks there's a cross section of folks coming by. "Higher income to people with maybe a little bit more need or challenges," Schmitz said. Where-ever you shopped, everyone had the same goal. Leaving that with list crossed off in the nick of time. Some mall retailers described Wednesday's sales as slow to steady. For many, this holiday season was a struggle with the tough economy.