They have a look of fear in their eyes and an ADHD approach to shopping. Yes, I’m talking about the last minute Christmas shopper, those who leave Christmas shopping to the very last minute.
While they first appear a few days before Christmas, these last minute Christmas shoppers shine the day before Christmas. They are fun to watch, a delight to serve (because they are thankful to have made a purchase) and valuable to our businesses.
I have seen these shoppers today, plenty of them – most spending up big. I chatted with one – he leaves it to the last minute for the thrill of it. The way he explained it, he gets a bigger buzz out of only having a couple of hours available to buy for ten people. He said he even likes it if shoppers give him some attitude. Seriously. That’s some fetish.
The last minute shopping we have seen today and indeed the last few days is a reminder of the value of having a broad offer, holding the line on margin and providing an efficient shopping experience.
This has been a terrific Christmas season.
I like the Boxing Day shopper. What we call the “Oh, crap!” buyer. You know, “Oh crap, Cousin Whatsiname has dropped in and gave me a present. I need something to give them!!” or “Oh crap I got something for all the grandkids but forgot little Johnny!” They are just soooo happy someone is open.
Should be open but no papers arriving so we are closing. I need the rest more than the money. I was a last minute shopper once and loved it and sat up all night wrapping presents and I’m a girl. I still have to wrap the presents though so high ho, high ho it home I go. Have a lovely Christmas.
Hilarious Vicki!
It’s smart shopping, My son does it, my husband has always done it. No time wasted thinking and browsing, just leave it to the last minute, and they always find something good to buy, instead of boring pre thought gifts. In fact my husband is wrapping presents as I type.
When do we sell wife cards? always the last few hours of the very last shopping day. So predictable!
xmas eve, there was only the bottle shop and us open after 2pm in our high street strip. in those few hours we had some very profitable “o crap” sales…
xmas day, very happy to not have to leave the house.
Peter ditto re xmas day and xmas eve sales.
Boxing Day Sales, I am the only one open in my country town (IGA and Woolies Shut) and there is no action. No doubt the News tonight will be all about massive boxing day sales.