Tue Dec 24 13:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Last-Minute Christmas Shoppers Swarm Malls Nationwide

**BLOOMINGTON, Minn. –** The Saturday before Christmas saw a frenzy of last-minute shoppers across the country, as millions raced to complete their holiday shopping. At the Mall of America, shoppers like Carol Schindler and Dave Lafond exemplified the chaotic yet festive atmosphere. Schindler admitted to procrastinating, while Lafond embraced the holiday hustle as a family tradition.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), a staggering 157 million consumers were expected to shop on this single day. The shortened time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year contributed to the surge, with consumers seeking last-minute gifts and taking advantage of holiday promotions, explained Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights.

While many were frantically searching for presents, others, like Douglas Ness, had already completed their shopping, enjoying a Cinnabon break while his granddaughter continued her search. Ness shared that his holiday tradition of Cinnabons with his wife continues, now carried on with his granddaughter. The scene at the Mall of America, and across the nation, highlighted the final-hour scramble of many to secure those last Christmas gifts.

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