Time Running Out For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With only a pair of days still left until Christmas, analysts are already predicting a milestone shopping season for retailers. This past weekend alone added up to the biggest two-day sales period ever, totaling $42 billon.
Of course many shoppers aren't finished yet.
Toys "R" Us announced they will be open for 39 hours straight leading up until Christmas. The retailer giant opened its doors at 6 a.m. on Dec. 23 and will stay open until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Kohl's is also doing the same until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Many other stores are extending their hours, such as:
Target
Dec. 23: 7 a.m. – Midnight (select stores)
Dec. 24: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Closed on Christmas
Best Buy
Dec. 23: 7 a.m, – Midnight
Dec. 24: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Walmart
Dec. 23: Normal Hours
Dec. 24: Closes at 8 p.m.
JCPenney
Dec. 23: Open at 8 a.m.
Dec. 24: Open at 7 a.m.
The extended hours are apparently what both retailers and shoppers need. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly one in four wait until late in the season to get their shopping done, many of those consumers hoping for better deals.
This comes as retailers tried a number of things to jumpstart the season by offering earlier sales and store hours, even before Black Friday. Analysts say those early deals didn't work as well as they hoped.
Now some retailers, like Toys "R" Us, are having to offer even better deals to get shoppers in the door. Research done by the National Retail Federation also shows foot traffic is also down 15 percent as more shoppers are making online purchases this holiday season.
Overall consumers are expected to spend about $617 billion, and the National Retail Federation expects sales to rise about 4 percent.
If you're someone who likes to order online, Tuesday is really your last day to ensure delivery by Christmas. Target, Macy's, Walmart, are guaranteeing Christmas delivery if you order by 5 p.m on Dec. 23. And if all else fails, there's always gifts cards.
