Not even the nasty winter weather could deter last-minute shoppers from braving the roads in search of the perfect gift yesterday.
The comfortable climate at West Edmonton Mall seemed to attract shoppers of all ages and lineups slowly started to grow as the countdown to the big day continues.
Michelle Wagner is the assistant manager at La Senza in the mall. She said the lineup started to form outside the lingerie store before they were even open yesterday.
“Christmas is always busier but this year it’s been a little slower than usual,” she said.
“It’s because of the economy. A lot of people are shopping and enjoying the great deals but if we didn’t have the deals we wouldn’t be as busy.”
Sarah Morrison drove from Kamloops, B.C., to celebrate the holidays with her loved ones in Edmonton.
She did most of her shopping in B.C. but couldn’t pass up a quick trip to the mall for a few last-minute ideas yesterday morning in the hopes of beating the crowds. “So far so good,” she said. “Hopefully this keeps up.”
Megan Hrycun and her eight-year-old daughter Camaryn were less fortunate.
Hrycun’s shopping is in check but the annual visit with Santa meant a long wait for the pair.
“Normally we get here just at the right time and there isn’t a lineup so we’ve never had to wait before,” she said.
“You expect it when you come here. At least I do, so it’s not a big deal.”
With just three shopping days left, we’ll see how long the good spirits last.
