Last-Minute Shoppers Flock To Area Retailers

By ABC-7 Reporter Abe Lubetkin

CANUTILLO — Last-minute shoppers flocked to area shopping centers and the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso were no exception.

A steady stream of last-minute bargain hunters made their way through the aisles of retailers at the mall. Many people told ABC-7 theyshoe the outlet mallinstead of Sunland Park and Cielo Vista just to avoid the crowds.

For the most part, they got what they were hoping although it did not look a lot busier than an average Saturday. Some stores were looked empty at some points during the day.

Some shoppersABC-7 spoke tosaid they hadfinished most of their shopping a few weeks ago and were just trying to get last-minute bargains on several items.

“With the economy, Ithink a lot of people are coming out today, seeing what kind of last-minute gifts they forgot,” said Daniel Drew.

“There’s more savings,” added Shawdayla Banks,”Iwould recommend it.”

Across the country, retailers have been slashing prices to try to get people to spend. This is projected to be one of the worst holiday seasons forthem in decades.

In fact, one national study predicted a decline in sales for the first time since 1969. Some shoppers said those retailers shouldn’t count on seeing big-ticket buys today.

“I always come out on Christmas Eve just to get in the spirit,” said Therese Marshall. “I already had the main things I wanted. I’m just buying little things.”