Bay Park Square remains busy as shoppers scramble for last-minute Christmas gifts

On By Littum

ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) — Christmas is Wednesday, and that means some people are still out getting their last minute gifts.

Shoppers packed Bay Park Square Mall on Christmas Eve to their last stretch before Christmas Day.

“It was kind of an ‘Oh no, it’s Christmas now!'” You know, we just had Thanksgiving and turned around and it’s already Christmas,” Pam Aissen said.

Aissen was at the mall on Tuesday and got one more gift, which ultimately put a bow on her Christmas shopping. While she finished most of her shopping Monday, she said she felt a little more pressed for time this year.

“It was very long. Yes, I have been very busy, so I was happy to get a lot of things done,” said Aissen.

Aissen is not alone in that category. Black Friday came later this year, meaning there were only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are five fewer days to trade compared to 2023.

But other shoppers say they’re on the right track.

“I think I’m pretty good. I just have to get a couple as little gifts here and there for people and I’m just excited to shop for people,” said Penny Youngworth.

“I think it’s a lot better this year. Definitely more prepared and had the opportunity to shop on Black Friday,” said Odessa Arce.

As shoppers get their last minute items before the big day, stores are also busy and doing their best to help everyone have a Merry Christmas.

“This past week, so last Monday through Saturday, was crazy. Last Saturday was crazy, and then with events in town that (also) drives more traffic in our store,” Hallmark Sales Associate Hannah Janz said.

At Hallmark, this year has felt more rushed for the employees. They have seen Christmas decorations and cards fly off the shelves.

While foot traffic has been up the past few days, Hallmark says the day after Christmas can be just as busy as Black Friday.

“People will sometimes wait to get certain ornaments if they think they can score it the day after Christmas at a sale, so they’ll kind of flip a coin and see if they can get lucky with it,” Janz said.