Last minute shoppers hit the stores

GRAND CHUTE - Santa's already started his rounds for the year, but some of his helpers, are just crossing off their lists.

At the Fox River Mall Jeff Gabrilska told FOX 11 he held out for those final sales.

"We're doing some last-minute Christmas shopping, I'm sure like a lot of other guys are doing right now," said Gabrilska.

The Fox River Mall had a pretty busy Christmas Eve, but nationally spending expectations are down thanks to events like Hurricane Sandy and worries about the economy and fiscal cliff.

ShoppperTrak forecasts a two and a half percent rise in sales over last year, down from an early forecast of more than three percent.

"With the fiscal cliff hanging over our heads we're not sure exactly what's going to happen in the new year, but for the holiday season people have been buying and we're very encouraged by the numbers...the season has been absolutely fabulous.  Our traffic patterns are up over last year," said Mall Marketing Manager Jim Zielinski.

And in downtown Appleton owner Michelle Pieterick is keeping her shop Dainty Daisies open for last minute gifters.

Pieterick told us she's had a great holiday sale season too.

"We have a lot of things under ten dollars so people can come in, and especially in this economy, it's good to have those price points so people can afford and feel good about what they're buying," said Pieterick.

Because, like Gabrilska told us, despite the economic worries, 'tis the season!

"Well I think everyone's concerned about it to a degree, but it's Christmas!  So we still go out and spend like we have in the past," said Gabrilska.

The Fox River Mall and others in the area will close at 6:00pm Christmas Eve.