NEW YORK (WABC) — The clock ticked away for many last-minute shoppers who rushed to make final purchases ahead of Christmas Day.
According to the National Retail Federation, about 5% of Americans planned to finish their holiday shopping on Christmas Eve.
The reality is there is always more shopping to do, even on Christmas Eve. Flocks of families made their way to American Dream Mall in New Jersey on Wednesday, where there’s three million square feet of places to search for those final items.
Eyewitness News caught up with shopper Mike Martin, who was out shopping for his two sons. The father of two bought baskets of toys for his kids, including from Sonic, Superman and Deadpool.
Meanwhile, shopper Noel Acevedo came to pick up some gifts while waiting for other presents to arrive in the mail.
“I got some perfumes from Ulta, got an Apple watch, and I got some jewelry boxes wrapped,” Acevedo said.
The team of sales associates at Lush embracing the holiday season and coming through with the Christmas vibes with festive pajamas.
“Honestly, we didn’t even agree on this. It was just kind of a last-minute thing. Everybody was text messaging in the group chat talking about like, yeah, I’m coming in PJs, anybody else coming in PJs? I was already here,” Lush sales associate Ximena Valencia said.
Estrella Gonzalez is done with her gift shopping for others. On Wednesday, she was out shopping for herself.
“I got this fabulous skirt that I love very much,” Gonzalez said.
Last-minute shoppers also made a mad dash across New York City on Christmas Eve.
Taylor Khargi of Jamaica, Queens, told Eyewitness News she was out shopping for family, trying to secure any last-minute deals that she could get her hands on.
“It’s a late purchase sure, but the prices here are kind of OK and it’s easy to get to,” Khargi said.
From Fifth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square, to the Rockefeller Tree, there was no shortage of tourists and shoppers.
In Herald Square, with the most festive of views, Sonia Rincon reports for Channel 7 Eyewitness News.
Phyllis Abayateye is visiting the city with her family from Maryland.
“We’ve been here a couple of times and we’re just here to look around and spend time together,” Abayateye said.
Eyewitness News took a crowded stroll though the bustling winter village at Bryant Park. It’s where we caught up with shopper Tamara Tobee.
Chantee Lans checks out the holiday fun being had on Christmas Eve.
“I just wanted to find something unique and I think this is the best place for something unique,” Tobee said.
In a much quieter winter village at Columbus Circle, you never know who you might find. Hollywood actor Stephen Root from the movie “Dodgeball” was out buying apple cider donuts.
There was even a glimpse of modern Santa Clause on a pedicab. While Santa delivers some gifts, many shoppers also stopped by St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a little prayer break.
The last-minute holiday shopping rush seems to be an extra needed boost for small businesses.
“It’s good, good for us. People buy small, better for us,” worker Kisang Lama said.
Aside from the late shoppers, Wednesday’s weather of sunny skies and slightly warmer temperatures was a great way to help get people outside. Either way, Eyewitness News wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.
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