“I’ve already bought some things for my (immediate) family, but I figured I could get some stuff for everyone else today,” said Darcy Tucker of Temple, who was browsing through gloves at Macy’s.
“I’ve been pretty busy lately working - because of my schedule, I wasn’t able to really go until today,” said Ms. Tucker, who is a nurse. “I’m not the type of person who goes shopping right after Thanksgiving either. I’ve never really understood that. I think it’s easier to shop right before (Christmas).”
Marilyn Stanton of Troy said she just happened to have the day off.
“I have a small family, so it’s not that hard for me to get everyone’s presents in one day,” said Stanton, who was also shopping at Macy’s.
“My grandchildren are all grown up now, so they don’t have special toys or things I have to look hard for,” she said. “I’m getting the chance to just browse around. It’s a nice change of pace.”
Stanton said she planned to wrap the gifts last night and take them over to her daughter’s house today, where they will eat Christmas dinner.
“This is the first time I’ve been shopping on Christmas Eve,” said Ms. Stanton, who said she decided to go shopping when the mall opened to avoid traffic and crowds. “It’s not that bad here. When I came, the parking lot was pretty empty and I walked right in. The stores are crowded, but you don’t have to wait in huge lines.”
Roger White of Belton said that he didn’t really have a reason to shop at the last minute.
“I just put it off I guess,” said White, laughing. “I’m not a big shopper. I’m sure there are a lot of guys who are going to be scrambling today to buy things.”
Temple Mall general manager Trish Lee said Christmas Eve is typically one of the busiest days of the year.
“Over the last couple years, the day after Christmas has been slightly busier than the day after Thanksgiving in terms of business,” she said. “And Christmas Eve is right up there. It’s one of our busiest days of the year too.”
Ms. Lee said the mall was extremely busy by noon, but traffic and parking were not problematic.
“We’re starting to fill up,” she said. “We’re expecting people to be here until the stores begin to close.”
Wednesday morning, there were people waiting in their cars outside for the doors to be opened, she said.
“I’ve talked to a number of store managers who have said that they’re selling more than last year. Things are definitely not disappointing.”
The Temple Police Department has a mobile unit assisting shoppers and security was not a problem, she said.
“We’ve been pretty busy since the week began,” said Ms. Lee, who said the mall always takes extra precautions on busier days.
White, who was shopping for his children, said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived at the mall.
“I thought it’s either going to be packed, or there won’t be very many people out because they don’t have very much money to shop with,” he said. “But it’s really not that bad. I just want to get things over with. I’ll be happy when I have everything taken care of and under the tree tonight.”
