Cold Can't Stop Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers
PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- With both Christmas and Hanukkah just one week away, the rush is on for last-minute holiday shopping.
Ninety percent of Americans still have to finish their holiday shopping by one estimate, so expect a lot of company at the mall this weekend, even with the cold, snowy and icy forecast, CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported.
Retail experts call it "Super Saturday," and it's expected to be even busier than Black Friday was this year.
The parking lot was almost full at the largest mall in New Jersey on Friday night, as people braved the cold to wrap up their purchases.
"It was pretty busy here for a Friday night. I thought it was busy, but then again, Christmas is next weekend," Westwood resident Zeila Malone said.
Inside the Westfield Garden State Plaza, shoppers were busy checking their lists.
"I got a lot done and got a lot of sales, and now I'm just finishing up getting some last-minute things," Ringwood resident Mary Ingram said.
The National Retail Federation predicts 156 million Americans will hit the stores on Saturday. But the winter storm headed to the Tri-State Area could be bad news for local retailers.
"It's going to be very crazy and the weather's not going to help it, with the cars in the streets, and the snow, and the ice and the slush. No accidents!" Fairlawn resident Lynette Diaz said.
"I'm going to sit at home, relax, and if I want to buy something, I'll order online," Jersey City resident Kabil Sanab said.
Brick and mortar stores are being forced to offer last-minute discounts to compete with online shopping, which has grown nine percent over the last year, compared to just one tenth of a percent increase for in-store sales.
"The stores really have great sales, so its time to get them done," Bogota resident Ruth Sobieski said.
Friday was the last day many online retailers would guarantee on-time Christmas delivery, so now it's time to shop the old fashioned way: in person.
Experts said the season got off to a slower than normal start because so many people were focused on the presidential election well into November.
An unusual quirk in the calendar putting Christmas on a Sunday and the first night of Hanukkah on Christmas Eve is adding some stress to an already compressed holiday shopping season.
