Last minute holiday shoppers supporting local businesses
If you’re not done with your holiday gift list, you’re not alone. The last Saturday to shop before Christmas is here and millions of people are expected to hit the stores and shop online for last minute gifts. FOX 5’s Nana-Sentuo Bonsu spoke with some of the procrastinators who are still checking items off their bucket lists.
WASHINGTON – If you’re not done with your holiday gift list, you’re not alone.
The last Saturday to shop before Christmas is here and millions of people are expected to hit the stores and shop online for last minute gifts.
FOX 5 spent the day talking to shoppers who wanted to avoid the big box stores, which are super crowded, and decided to support some local businesses this season.
“We were running from store to store because it’s freezing,” said Stephanie Devaney, a last-minute shopper.
“It was getting in the way when we were walking here,” added Claire Cooper, another last-minute shopper.
However, the cold temperatures are not stopping people from completing their shopping list.
“I’m shopping for my mom and my sister,” Max Mendelsohn told FOX 5.
“I don’t have family here, so I thought I’d buy things for people in the neighborhood,” Miyum Kim said.
One shopper, Lily Duran, told FOX 5 she was “looking for a Hanukkah gift” for her grandson.
A local bookstore on the corner of Royal Road in Alexandria is doing the work for customers.
Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, said she’s hearing a lot of “I need a book for my dad. What can I get for my dad?”
Kirkpatrick said the books are the perfect gift.
Last minute shopping ideas
Last-minute shopping ideas with Katherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation.
“It’s a conversation starter,” she said.
“There’s something timeless about books and they make a great personal gift,” said Stephanie Devaney, who was shopping at Old Town Books.
If you’re looking for a variety of gift options in one place, curated shops like made in DC are an option.
“They have really unique products because they are all made by local artisans,” said Miyun Kim, a shopper.
The national retail association expects millions of shoppers to come out this weekend.
If you don’t have the interest or time to be in crowded malls or in long lines, Miranda Stein, a manager at Shop Made in DC, says come.
“We got candles, tea and DC prints, light and ready to use,” Stein said. “You know you’re making someone else’s Christmas dreams come true by buying those items, the money goes back to those creators.”
