Mild weather, retailer deals greet holiday shoppers in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- People in the Chicago area are taking advantage of Sunday's mild weather to do some last-minute holiday shopping and many stores are offering specials to get people in the door.

It's the last shopping weekend before Christmas the shoppers are out in force and Michigan Avenue is seeing huge crowds.

"We did the Daley Plaza thing, went to Germantown, came over here to see the windows," said shopper Ulisses Henry. "The weather is gorgeous, so now we're going into Macy's probably spend some more money and leave."

Year after year bargain hunters are foregoing traditional shopping days like Black Friday and waiting until the very last minute as they search for the absolute best deals. Some analysts estimate that up to 75 percent of Americans have not yet finished their holiday shopping.

"The best strategy is thinking, 'I'm not buying anything that isn't reduced at least 30 percent,'" said author Mark Ellwood.

Calling this only an average season, with shopping at malls down about 20 percent, retailers are desperate to cater to last-minute shoppers and they are going all out. Slashing prices, but also opening early, closing late and some are even open around the clock.

Airports busy as holiday travel begins

People are beginning to head of town for the holidays and both Chicago airports are busy Sunday.

More than 4.6 million people are expected to pass through O'Hare and Midway International Airports during the holidays.

Sunday is expected to be the busiest day at O'Hare and Wednesday the busiest at Midway.

Travelers are urged to allow extra time if flying.