The fun and excitment of last minute holiday shopping

Time is running out for last minute holiday shoppers. Only two full days left until Christmas. But there are plenty of folks who still have some shopping to get done. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Ashli

Wednesday, December 22nd 2004, 2:35 pm

By: News On 6

Time is running out for last minute holiday shoppers. Only two full days left until Christmas. But there are plenty of folks who still have some shopping to get done.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims talked with a few last minute shoppers Wednesday. She says the procrastinators are pumping up Tulsa's economy. Tulsaâ€™s shopping malls seem to be bucking the national trend. While sales are lagging at stores around the country, Woodland Hills Mall is bustling.

The Christmas clock maybe winding down, but the pace is picking up for last minute shoppers. Some folks still have plenty of presents to buy.

Paul Metzger: "letâ€™s see, five, four or five."

Ranny Jones: "just one."

Allen Roberts: "two presents.â€

Some are shopping for family and friends, others only have one person in mind. Whoever itâ€™s for, all the gift giving means a happy holiday for Tulsa stores. Lauren Harris with Woodland Hills Mall: "we feel like we've had a great holiday season. Been consistently good traffic, good reports from retailers. We feel like things are going really well here."

Even though time is running short, shoppers are still being choosy, carefully examining the shelves and trying out the products, before committing to a purchase. And procrastination has its benefits; last-minute shoppers are getting last minute deals. Lauren Harris: "and also the stores are offering great discounts right now. Sales on items that maybe werenâ€™t on items earlier in the season are on now, so itâ€™s a great time to continue buying."

For folks who are running out of time, this is the place to be. But mall gift cards come with a bit of a wait and a $1.50 handling charge, which was enough to put a damper on one shopper's Christmas cheer. Ranny Jones: "a little extra charge and a line. I guess I should have expected the line."

But the lines, the crowds, just adds to the spirit of the season for some. Christine Saferight: "I like the excitement I like the hustle bustle and as long as we come and there's not too much traffic trying to find a spot itâ€™s all right."

Another tip for the last minute shopper, timing, later may be better. Woodland Hills Mall and many of its main department stores are open until eleven Wednesday and Thursday. The closer to closing, the slower the mall usually is.