Last-minute Christmas shoppers crowd Dillard’s in Macon on Christmas Eve

Shoppers rush for final gifts, popular items, and stocking stuffers before stores close at 6PM

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- For some shoppers, one final purchase marked the end of their Christmas lists, and while the rush may look hectic, store managers say this final push is expected every year. Christmas Eve shopping brought packed walkways and fast-moving crowds to Dillard’s at the Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon.

Managers say shoppers are grabbing everything from popular shoes to handbags, perfumes, and last-minute stocking stuffers.

 “It’s been fantastic. We have seen an influx in the last-minute Christmas shoppers, and so everybody’s leaving it for the last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, looking for those special items for their loved ones,” said Aja Heck, Dillard’s Store Manager.

Managers say customers have been grabbing everything, from popular shoes to handbags.

“Uggs, a lot of perfumes that we are out of. We are sold out of so many things which isn’t a bad thing,” said Catisha Bray, Assistant Store Manager.

Crowds this year look similar to last Christmas Eve, and every employee is helping out to make sure shoppers get what they need in time for Christmas. Heck said, “It’s all hands on deck. All the manager offices are lights out and we’re all here to help and service our guests, especially the ones that are frazzled last minute trying to look for someone.”

For some shoppers, waiting until the last minute is nothing new.

“I’m just a last-minute man,” said shopper Glenn Head.

“This is the last thing that was on my list and I came to Dillard’s to pick it up, and they had one left so it was made for me,” said shopper Jae Madison.

Managers encourage shoppers to reach out for early morning shopping appointments next year if they want to avoid the crowds.