Experts say last minute holiday shopping is a growing trend

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION. (WCBI) – This Saturday is predicted to be the biggest shopping day of the year — even bigger than Black Friday.

Last minute holiday shopping seems to be growing more popular each year.

Is it actually smarter to wait until the weekend before Christmas to get your shopping done?

Recent data shows the answer may be yes.

It’s just days before Christmas and parking lots are full, shoppers are out and about, and it seems that discounts can be found around every corner… and on every shelf.

“The timing of this year’s Christmas, if you’re looking at it purely from a retail stance, is about as good as it gets,” said Jackson Square owner Lex Jackson.

Nobody knows retail better than Jackson. He says last minute holiday shopping is a growing trend.

“Buying patterns have shifted closer and closer to Christmas. It’s been that way for atleast 10 years, maybe 15 years. It’s just slowly edging and in the last few years, it’s really come down to the last six or seven days have been monumentally more and more important,” said Jackson.

Many stores have developed marketing strategies to cater to customers on the last few days before Christmas.

“If you’ve noticed lately traffic is getting heavier. All of the stores are getting busier this time of year. So I would definitely say the 12 days of Christmas brings people in. It’s really good deals. Just in general it brings people in,” said Deep South Pout employee Megan Peoples.

Many shop owners are projecting this weekend to be the biggest shopping day of the year.

“Our weekend sales will be almost identical to what Black Friday was. If not, better,” said JCPenney manager Scott Lancaster.

“This weekend… I don’t have any doubt. This weekend for a lot of stores will be bigger than Black Friday weekend,” said Jackson.

Jackson also says the reasoning behind last minute shopping is really quite simple.

“I think people procrastinate. I think people say ‘Oh I can do it tomorrow.’ Well tomorrow is here.”

“I think it’s a little bit of procrastination but also better deals,” said Peoples.

And for others… they just plain forgot.

“Or also what we call the MIP… Men In Panic. Where they forgot to get their wife or somebody something. So they’re coming in that last minute, trying to get a good deal, but still get something nice,” said Lancaster.

Jackson also said the best deals will be on Christmas Eve and will most likely be items related to the holidays.