Last minute vacation shoppers who support 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 buy last-minute gifts online. FOX 5’s Nana-Sentuo Bonsu spoke to some interviewers who are checking some things off their 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 buy last-minute gifts online.
FOX 5 spent the day with shoppers looking to avoid big box stores, which are so packed, and decided to support some local businesses this time around.
Last-minute shopper Stephanie Devaney said: “We were running from store to store because it was freezing.
Another last-minute shopper, Claire Cooper, added: “It’s going to mess things up when we get here.”
The freezing temperatures aren’t stopping people from completing their shopping lists.
“I’m shopping 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 area,” Myum Kim said.
One shopper, Lily Duran, told FOX 5 she was “looking for a Hanukkah gift” for her nephew.
A local bookstore on the corner of Royal Street in Alexandria is doing the job for customers.
“I want a book for my dad. What can I get for my dad?” said Allie Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books. She said she’s been hearing that a lot.
Kirkpatrick says books are perfect gifts.
Last minute shopping ideas
Last minute shopping ideas from Catherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation.
“It’s a conversation starter,” she said.
“There’s something timeless about books, and it’s 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 made in DC are an option.
“They have really unique products because they are all made by local artisans,” said buyer Myun Kim.
The National Retail Association is expecting millions of shoppers to go out this weekend.
If you have no desire or time to be in packed malls or long lines, go inside, says Miranda Stein, manager of Shop Made in DC.
“We’ve got candles, tea and DC prints, they’re light and ready to go,” Stein said. “By buying these items, you know you’re making someone else’s Christmas dreams come true. The money goes back to those makers.”
