Last-minute Christmas shopping up significantly from last year

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), roughly 157 million consumers shopped on the final Saturday before Christmas, also known as Super Saturday. This is the second highest total ever, and 15 million more than last year.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re still browsing department stores, looking to check off the final items from your Christmas list, you’re not alone. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), roughly 157 million consumers shopped on the final Saturday before Christmas, also known as Super Saturday. This is the second highest total ever, and 15 million more than last year.

“We were busy from the time we opened at 8:00 until the time we closed the doors at 11,” said Quadralyn Washington, the Store Manager for Academy Sports + Outdoors in Macon. 

Washington says the heavy foot traffic from Super Saturday has carried over into the week. Along with their usual Christmas deals, Academy Sports + Outdoors has extended their hours to stay on top of the trend.

“We’re open until 11 for the rest of the week, and then tomorrow (Christmas Eve) we’re open until 7 just to give them that extra hour of shopping for their last-minute holiday needs,” Washington said. 

There’s a smaller window between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, which is why many believe last-minute shopping has been so popular in 2024. Rosemary Dennard says time and convenience led to her being a last-minute shopper this year.

“I don’t want the crowds, but we need some last-minute stuff,” Dennard said. “And I’m hoping to get some deals. There’s a lot of stuff already off the shelves that people have already gotten, but we’re scrounging and looking.” 

David Newsome also took advantage of the holiday deals. He says last-minute shopping is now a stress-free experience as he’s found a one-stop shop for his favorite sports apparel for himself, and his grandchildren’s favorite toys.

“I’ve been all over Macon looking for my Adidas stuff,” Newsome said. “You have to go to one store to find this and one store to find that. But if you come here, you can find everything you need.” 

Increased last-minute shopping means extended workdays for employees tasked with helping families get presents underneath the tree. Washington says she doesn’t mind staying in a little bit longer to help others have a merrier Christmas.

“I love to see the smiles on the kid’s faces when they see the things that we have,” Washington said. “And then also, with the parents when they come in, the availability that we have to be able to take care of them and their children.”

The NRF expects total holiday spending to be at least 24 billion dollars higher than last year.