Pocono News Section

Christmas Eve Crunch at the Mall

Christmas Eve Crunch at the Mall - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 5:53PM EST

Reported by: Nicole Borocci
Monday, Dec 24, 2007 @05:53pm EST

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - The holiday hustle and bustle was more of a constant current of shoppers at the Wyoming Valley Mall this Christmas Eve.

"We have two hours before the holiday meal, so two hours, hopefully we'll get everything," said Allie Pethick of Massachusetts.

Managers say as people's everyday lives grow more hectic, the last-minute rush just doesn't seem so stressful.

“Now everyone expects it. You’ve got to deal with extra parking and traffic, but it's the holiday season," said Joe Ohrin with the Wyoming Valley Mall.

That frame of mind has retailers hopeful that they'll reach their holiday goals.

"Pretty much do better than thanksgiving and beat yesterday's goals," said mall vendor, Jenilyn Jung.

While many shoppers are determined to purchase with a purpose, we caught up with many window shoppers just hoping for a sign.

"I still don't know, I'm waiting to be inspired," Pethick said.

And others were just stretching their legs, working up an appetite before all of those big holiday meals begin.

“My wife is doing the shopping so I get to walk around and burn off calories that we put on during those holiday parties and so on," said Mike Hanna of Berwick.