Holiday shoppers fill Huntsville malls as the countdown to Christmas intensifies.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Seven candles are burning low for Hanukkah, Christmas is just days away and Kwanzaa is approaching, pushing many shoppers into last-minute mode.
The National Retail Federation estimated nearly 159 million shoppers would hit stores on Super Saturday, the final Saturday before Christmas. In Huntsville, that rush was on full display at Parkway Place Mall and Bridge Street Town Centre.
Shoppers packed both shopping centers Saturday afternoon, with thousands walking through corridors carrying bags and still hunting for the perfect gift.
“The last minute shopping, just the little sacrifices that you make for the great love and kind that you get year-round. So, we’re here, we’re going to get in and get out and have some fun doing it,” said shopper Lauren Ragland.
Retail leaders say time is running out.
“Really just four more shopping days left before Christmas. Now’s the time to finish up your holiday shopping,” said Ryan Ginty, general manager of Bridge Street Town Centre.
“We have so many people here. We’re almost at Black Friday levels,” said Amanda Homelvig, Parkway Place Malls marketing director.
Store owners and managers say the crowds have been steady as shoppers delay purchases until the final stretch.
“They say they’re going to be out early, nobody gets all their Christmas done early. So they’re out there. We’re seeing a lot of foot traffic this year,” said Morgan Stanfill, owner of Kendry Boutique.
“It’s a lot of gifts the last few weeks, and we really felt the holiday season has been a blessing,” said Malik Arafat, general manager of Oxford Street Menswear.
According to the same NRF report, 29% of Super Saturday shoppers were expected to to shop in person, while 26% said they would shop online.
Some shoppers prefer in-person stores for the flexibility. “That way, I can get a receipt and if I don’t like it I can always bring it back,” said shopper Travis Moore.
Others say shopping is as much about the experience as the purchases.
“We see people out here with their friends, with their families. Folks are off work, off school, and just out here enjoying the day,” Ginty said.
Homelvig said in-person shopping removes the uncertainty of shipping delays.
“when I’m talking to shoppers, they love being at the mall, they want to touch and see and feel the product before they buy it, and they don’t want to have to deal with the question of whether something is going to arrive on time for Christmas.”
Small business owners echoed that sentiment.
“You get to feel fabric, you get to see your product, you get special sales thatnot everybody is going to do online,” Stanfill said. “Everything can be custom fit in the store and something like that you can’t replicate online,” Arafat said.
Both Parkway Place Mall and Bridge Street Town Centre have extended holiday hours in the days leading up to Christmas. Those hours can be found below:
Bridge Street Town Centre holiday hours:
- Sunday, Dec. 21: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 22: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 23: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25: CLOSED
- Friday, Dec. 26: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parkway Place Mall holiday hours:
• Sunday, December 21: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25: CLOSED
• Friday, December 26: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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