Christmas Eve shoppers embrace last-minute rush at local malls

It’s the final day before Christmas. CTV London’s Reta Ismail catches up with people doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.

If you are still searching for the perfect holiday gift, you are not alone. Christmas Eve is crunch time at malls across the region, and for many shoppers, leaving it to the last minute is part of the plan.

With just hours left before Christmas Day, malls were packed with flashing sale signs, shopping bags and shelves being restocked as quickly as items disappeared.

“I do it on Christmas Eve,” said Randy Kilburne, who was shopping for his wife. “It’s a lot cheaper, less busy and usually better deals.”

Some shoppers say waiting until the final hours actually pays off.

Quinn McLean, who was shopping for her parents, said school commitments delayed her holiday errands. “I had exams until the 29th, so I’ve just been spending time with friends and family,” McLean said. “As much as people think it might be busy, it’s not as busy as you think — especially early morning on Christmas Eve.”

Others said the crowds were unavoidable. “It’s pretty busy actually,” said Cory Beecroft, who was shopping for his girlfriend. “I was in school until the 15th and then spent time with family, so I just came out now.”

For some families, the mall is offering more than just wrapped presents.

Mark McCowan said he was doing last-minute shopping for the girls’ mother, while also surprising his daughters with a memorable gift.

“They’re getting their fourth set of earrings,” he said, as the girls prepared to have their ears pierced.

According to Visa Canada, holiday spending is up 4.4 per cent this year compared to last year. The company says 88 per cent of purchases are still being made in physical stores, with online shopping accounting for the remaining 12 per cent.

But not everyone wandering the mall on Christmas Eve was shopping.

Eighty-year-old Jean Skivee said he visits the mall daily for coffee and exercise.

“I come here every day for coffee, then I walk for an hour and a half,” Skivee said. “I’ve been doing that for the last 16 years — even on Christmas Eve.”

Whether driven by deals, tradition or the thrill of the final hours, Christmas Eve shoppers are showing that the mall remains at the heart of the holiday season.