Stores open late for last-minute Christmas shoppers

Michelle Gallardo Image
Monday, December 24, 2018
Stores open late for last-minute Christmas shoppers
2018 had a longer-than-average Christmas shopping season because Thanksgiving was earlier than normal.

Stores were filled Sunday with last-minute shoppers looking for the perfect gift just two days before Christmas.

And retailers are happy to oblige. Many stores were open late on Sunday and will be open on Monday.

Christmas Eve hours vary for several store locations, but below are some stores that will be open:

Best Buy - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Costco - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dollar General - All stores will close at 10 p.m.

Dollar Tree - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kohl's - Open 24 hours through 6 p.m. Monday

Most stores are expected to close by 6 p.m. Monday

"It is stressful, but honestly I feel like they have more sales when it gets to the day before Christmas Eve," said shopper Jasmine Vasquez.

While last week's stock market news rattled some, consumer confidence has been generally strong. Lower gas prices are keeping a few more bucks in people's pockets.

Thanksgiving was early on the calendar this year, which translated into a longer-than-average holiday shopping season, luring even those who thought they were done shopping.

"I hate coming because when I come I promise myself not to buy anything. But I get in there ... and you always find something," said shopper Tony Harris.

Chicago's Magnificent Mile shopping district has seen a lot of turnover in recent years, but it remains a destination for shoppers.

"I believe we will debunk again that brick and mortar is giving way to online. It's actually quite the balance. We're up to a dozen online stores that have brick-and-mortar stores here," said John Chikow, of the Magnificent Mile Association.