Crowds hit stores for last minute gifts

ASHWAUBENON - Christmas is right around the corner, and Saturday was expected to be one of the busiest shopping days of the season.

Many people hit the stores in our area, stocking up on last minute holiday gifts.

Shoppers crowded stores this weekend as the clock ticks down on Christmas.

At Bay Park Square in Ashwaubenon, retailers were geared up for "Super Saturday."

"There's a lot of people and they're on a mission to get their last minute gifts," said the mall's general manager Judy Tullius.

There was plenty of hustle and bustle as shoppers flooded the shopping center.

Mall officials bring in extra staff to handle the crowds.

"We bring in more people at the gift card booth because that's the last weekend, is when people are looking for that last minute gift, and those gift cards are, of course, a convenient gift," said Tullius.

Those looking to wrap up their shopping this weekend were mixed on getting it done just three days before Christmas.

"Kinda gets you in the mood," said Gail Sengbusch of Hayward.

But Sengbusch's daughter Casey said, "I don't like it. Too many people. I'd rather shop when it's not busy."

According to a National Retail Federation survey released last week, just 11.3% of Americans said they have completely wrapped up their lists.

The NRF said 10.2% of shoppers will wait until Christmas Eve to buy their final gift items.

Bay Park Square officials said besides gift cards, the mall has plenty of other unique choices for those who procrastinate.

"We've got a lot of fun things in the middle of the mall, a lot of carts and kiosks with unique and different gifts," said Tullius.

That includes Mahogany Imports of Wisconsin, featuring aircraft, automobiles and other items carved from wood.

"It's been busy, we're going to be running out of a lot of stuff because we weren't ready for the demand and didn't know what was going to sell best," said owner Bob Scharing.

Retailers said they're also putting in long hours so people can complete their lists ahead of the holiday.

"I'm usually here from 9:00 until 9:00, 9:30, depending on the crowd, and it's a little grueling, but it goes with the season," said Scharing.

Bay Park Square Mall has extended its hours for last minute holiday shoppers.

It will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday.

Christmas Eve hours are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The mall is closed on Christmas Day.