Shoppers make last-minute trips as holiday season closes out

4 hours ago

Ryan Brooks,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Christmas is only a few days away and we’re checking in with shoppers for a look at their holiday experience this year.

We checked out a few retailers for a last look what you can expect while looking for those gifts for friends and family this year.

Major stores like Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Kohl’s, Buckle, Books-A-Million and others in West Tennessee had sales running for several days, often starting the Monday before Black Friday.

“I’m actually getting my mom’s birthday gift, and Christmas gift because her birthday is tomorrow. We’re getting a couple of books, a little buildable kit… There’s a lot of discounts going on right now,” said Salem Myles, holiday shopper.

According to economists, shoppers are spending around $900 to over $1,000 on average, with projections showing strong spending despite economic worries.

Sales during November and December are expected to be between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. That would be up 3.7% to 4.2% over last year.

“On our Christmas sale it’s between 40, 50 and 60% off on our Christmas items. We’ve got two clearance aisles in the back,” said LaTasha Bell, assistant manager at Michaels.

There was a busy crowd out in the Hub City Tuesday all making sure to get any last-minute items out of the way. Most shoppers we spoke with shared that things could have been cheaper, with one shopper saying he is focusing on quality memories over purchases.

“This year we’re creating memories more than just purchasing a lot of things. I have my grandkids; you know the cookies, the pajamas, and all the stuff you normally do with families along with looking at Christmas lights,” said Fisher Smith, holiday shopper.

For one shopper, holiday celebrations started early and so far it’s been a breath of fresh air.

“I feel like this year has been a little more festive than the last couple of years. We did a friendsmas in alabama with some friends, so we got together and all exchanged gifts. We all had note for each other back and forth. It’s been really festive,” said Myles.

See a full list of holiday hours for area stores below:

ALDI: Many ALDI stores will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Hours can be verified online.
Costco: As it typically does, Costco will close warehouses early on Christmas Eve and for the entire day on Christmas.
Dollar General: Stores will be open until 10 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve.
Kroger: Most of its family of stores will close between 6-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a spokesperson confirmed. You’ll want to confirm your store’s hours online.
Publix: Your local Publix store will close early on Christmas Eve; hours can be confirmed in-store and online.
Sam’s Club: Warehouses will be open until 6 p.m. local time for all members on Christmas Eve, and closed for everyone on Christmas Day.
Target: Stores will close at 8 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and remain closed through Christmas Day, the company confirmed.
Trader Joe’s: Stores will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a representative confirmed to Nexstar.
Walmart: Your nearest Walmart will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve before shutting its doors for Christmas Day. You can verify hours online.
Whole Foods: Like others, hours may vary across stores on Christmas Eve, and all stores will be closed on Christmas Day

The following non-grocery retailers will, for the most part, observe limited hours on Christmas Eve before closing for Christmas Day. Those hours are listed below:

Best Buy: Stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve before closing for Christmas Day, a spokesperson confirmed.
The Old Hickory Mall : Stores will open early at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve, then close at 5 p.m., the company confirmed
Academy Sports : Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, then close at 7 p.m., the company confirmed
Ross : Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, then close at 10 p.m., the company confirmed
Old Navy: Stores will open early at 8 a.m. on Christmas Eve, then close at 6 p.m., the company confirmed
Dick’s Sporting Goods : Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, then close at 6 p.m., the company confirmed online.
Hobby Lobby: You will be able to visit your local Hobby Lobby between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Home Depot: While hours can vary by location, most Home Depot stores will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Home Goods: Stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
IKEA: Hours may vary, but most IKEA stores will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
JCPenney: Stores will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Kohl’s: Most Kohl’s stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the company confirmed.
Lowe’s: While stores will open at their usual hours on Christmas Eve, they will close early at 6 p.m., a representative confirmed.
Macy’s: A spokesperson confirms Macy’s stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve.
Marshalls: Stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Petco: Hours may vary by location, but most Petco stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a spokesperson confirmed.
PetSmart: Stores will open at their usual time but close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to a spokesperson.
TJ Maxx: Your local TJ Maxx will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.