Shoppers hunt for gifts last weekend before X-Mas

With Christmas fast approaching shoppers are hitting up plazas, malls and the like on the last weekend before the big holiday.

“Either one they procrastinate or two they got to wait until they have enough cash to do it,” said last minute shopper Jack weaver.

“I work, so Saturday or Sunday is when I get to do it,” said shopper Chris Avery.

According to retail reports, an estimated 156 million people shopped Saturday. Deep bargains are the draw.

“The discounts were good for most of them,” said Weaver. “Some places are more than others.

It’s not just the big box stores getting all of the action. Shoppers are also on the hunt for gifts that have a local touch.

“Very good business,’ said McWherter’s Jewelers owner David McWherter. “We had a full staff and everyone was waiting on customers all day.”

“We keep track of what’s going on nationally to make sure we offer the same types of incentives,” said Frank Savino, owner of Aquablue Skin and Body Spa.

Locally owned shops in Old Town Salinas said this weekend and the following days are make it or break it.

“Christmas is the biggest for us,” said McWherter. “It’s where the majority of our income comes from for the year.”

Shops also told KION with gas prices down and the economy going up, they’re seeing people spending more in their stores.

“We’re seeing more consistent sales and we’re seeing new clients,” said Savino.

Last minute shopping is expected to continue this week.