Holiday shoppng rush

Posted: Dec 21, 2009 8:42 PM by Stacy Daniel
Updated: Dec 21, 2009 8:42 PM

Christmas is just four days away.
Time to purchase presents is running out.
But, don't worry, if you still have gifts to buy, you're not alone.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, nearly 42-million people had not even started their shopping as of late last week. Adults 45 to 54 years-old have completed less than half of their purchases. It seems the bottom line is, people are not wanting to part with their pocketbooks, holding out for the best deal they can find.
The Christmas countdown is officially underway and local retailers are hoping these last remaining hours leading up to the big day will make up for what's so far been a lack luster holiday shopping season.
Nicholas Claus says, "It's definitely the year to be a little more creative in your gift buying." Even St. Nick knows holiday shoppers are spending their money wisely opting to buy several inexpensive gifts instead of one or more of the big ticket items.
Shopper, Bryant Burns says, "It was a little harder to get into the idea of going out shopping this year, maybe it's the economy, maybe it's just the fact that's not what it's a ll about."
Shopper, Natasha Wetzel says, "Definitely shop smarter and plan a little more ahead then it isn't so much last minute and you're not spending that little bit extra you're out of time." Natasha's husband, Rusty Wetzel says, "It's not frantic until the end but we're close to the end." This shopping season, one of the busiest stores on Higuera street in San Luis Obispo is a novelty shop.

Laughs they are a dime a dozen. Nothing says Christmas like one of the stores best sellers. Store Supervisor, Shane Traver says, "We do have popular items. Uhm, the fart machines. Believe it or not, the fart machines." I wonder what the people on the naughty list get.
Nicholas Claus says,"If you can't afford the big ticket items buy somebody a few laughs. I mean that's what the holidays are really about right?
Most of the stores we visited will be open on Christmas eve. But, they'll have limited hours. So, don't put your shopping off until it's too late.