If you’re like many people and have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, now’s the time to join fellow procrastinators at the mall.
‘Tis the season for crowded parking lots and long lines at the registers as – in a rush to the finish line – people do their best to fill wish lists.
The Saturday before the 25th is traditionally the busiest day of the year for merchants.
On Friday, it looked as if that would be the case again this year, with Walmart packed as late as 11pm. The retail giant will stay open 24 hours until Christmas Eve.
Many malls in the GTA have extended their hours as well. The Eaton Centre, for one, is open from 9:30am to 9:30pm Saturday.
And according to more than one survey, people plan to spend more this year than last.
“Canadians have a lot to cheer about this holiday shopping season now that the economy is slowly but surely on the mend,” said Aron Gampel, Scotiabank’s Deputy Chief Economist.
“A number of favourable factors – businesses are hiring again, governments are keeping their spending taps wide open, retailers are offering competitive pricing, and borrowing costs are still low – should help put a little more cheer into still cautious holiday spending plans.”
A study by the bank predicts Canadians will spend $891 this year on average, up slightly from $884 in 2008.
Links To Extended Holiday Hours For Select GTA Malls
Eaton Centre
Sherway Gardens
Yorkdale Mall
Fairview Mall
Shops at Don Mills
Scarborough Town Centre (PDF)
Pacific Mall
