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Sandra Yi reportingSome people finished up their holiday shopping today. But for many others, it's just the beginning, as people head out to do some last minute shopping.
It's the last weekend before Christmas. And that means procrastinators are packing the malls.
The crowds are a good sign for retailers.
Michelle Peart/South Jordan Resident: "I was shopping last night or this morning until 2:00 this morning, and I was back out at 7:00 this morning. Now we're finished."
Others aren't as lucky.
David Summers/ Highland Resident: "We've gone over our list and checked it twice, and we found we've got a few things that we need to pick up on."
It's five days before Christmas and the malls are filled with shoppers, hurrying to buy those last minute gifts. It's a Christmas wish come true, for retailers.
Aubry Bolingbroke/ Manager, The Buckle: "It was just this last week that I think people, it really hit them. They realized that Christmas was just in one week. So this last week has been phenomenal for us."
Sales have been good for the clothing store, 'The Buckle'. Sales are also up for JC Penney. A third of the department store's sales and profits are made in November and December.
Both months saw impressive gains of 16 and 7 percent from this time last year.
Craig Child/ Manager, JCPenney: "I mean, I'm happy with one. So to be up 16 and 17 was sonderful. Part of that is we have housewares now and extended home department."
Craig Child: "I have not heard any people talking doom and gloom, or we're worried about the economy."
JC Penney has pumped its advertizing to lure customers. Other retailers are also slashing prices and offering deals that are just too good to pass up.
Rhonda Clayton/ Sandy Resident: "They've got all the coupons in the newspaper, 15 percent off or whatever."
David Summers: "I'm fairly optimistic. I think things are turning around and things are going well."
Well enough, that some people are being more generous with their pocketbooks this year. Although, they may not admit it.
Michelle Peart: "If my husband's watching, yes, I was very careful."
You may not have to wait until after Christmas to get those good deals. A lot of stores are having sales and many of them have already marked down their Christmas merchandise by as much as 50 percent.
