Last-Minute Shoppers Descend On Area Malls

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Even though Christmas Eve is tomorrow, some people still haven't finished their holiday shopping.

Some folks at the Gallery shopping mall in center city admit they waited until the very last minute to shop for gifts.  And they were not alone in the stores.

(Woman #1:)  "The stores are too crowded for me!"
(Man #1:)  "Pretty crowded."
(Woman #2:)  "It's crazy!"
(Man #1:)  "And I think everybody has the same strategy -- get as much stuff at the last moment as possible."

How would they describe their shopping experience so close to Christmas?

(Woman #3, in photo above):  "Oh god, half the stuff you can't find.  But this is the season!"
(Kuznits:)  "You waited until the last minute."
(Woman #3:)  "Yes, this year I did.  I'll never do this again!"

(Kuznits:)  "How many people do you still have to shop for?"
(Man #2:)  "For the whole family.  And always you forget somebody."

(Kuznits:)  "How are you gonna get home with all these bags?"
(Woman #3:)  "On the bus, taking up three seats probably.  Everybody's gonna get mad at me!"

(Kuznits:) "It's gonna be a long Christmas for you, isn't it?"
(Woman #4:)  "Yes it is -- I can't wait until it's done and over with."

Reported by Hadas Kuznits, KYW Newsradio 1060.