Shoppers Make Final Run For Christmas Gifts

Cedar Rapids- There was plenty of crowded stores and parking lots on Saturday as Eastern Iowa were out and about. The days are winding down until Christmas, which means shoppers are hurrying up to get all their gifts. With retailers extending their hours and offering last minute deals, expect some lines and big crowds.

According to the National Retail Federation, as of early December, nearly 37 million people hadn't even started their shopping. While many Eastern Iowans had already crossed some things off their list, some still had plenty left to buy on Saturday. Cars piled up behind red lines and in parking lots. Irene Schoeberl, of Cedar Rapids, was out picking up her last batch of gifts. "I am getting last minute stuff, stocking stuffers, last minute sales that I can find," said Schoeberl. Doug Cooley, of Cedar Rapids, was doing the same thing. "finishing up my Christmas shopping hoping to get done before the rush," said Cooley.

Jean Larkin, of Cedar Rapids, was trying to get some of her shopping done after choosing not to shop on Black Friday weekend. "I am not really a sale shopper because I hate the crowds. I would rather pay full price to get what I want then fight the crowd," said Larkin.

But for the next week, expect more crowds and more long lines. According to the National Retail Federation, as of December 14th, the average person still had a little more than half of their shopping left to do. Some Eastern Iowans were determined to finish their shopping up on Saturday to avoid standing in line on December 24th. "I will be done today, no more after today," said Schoeberl. "I won't be out here next weekend either way. Even if I don't get the presents, I won't be out before Christmas." said Bethany Sleichen, of Cedar Rapids.

Despite the fact, shoppers took home bags of gifts on Saturday, some still found themselves looking for snow, to get in the Christmas spirit. "I hope for a little bit but I guess if it doesn't happen I will be fine with that too," said Cooley. "It's going to be strange because I can't remember the last time we didn't have snow on Christmas," said Randy Jernigan, of Cedar Rapids.

Some retailers are optimistic that this season will turn out better than expected, but there's doubt holiday sales will beat out last year's numbers.