Last-minute holiday gifts: Shoppers pack local stores on Christmas Eve
The shopping center is open until 6 p.m.
More Stories
Holiday shoppers packed local stores on Christmas Eve to get last-minute gifts.
There were even a few lines outside of stores at the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park and at local stores in Huntington.
"These are our busiest weeks out of the year by far," said Talia Addeo, an employee at Community Pet Supplies in Huntington. "Before we even opened, there was a line, so it's been crazy. All of the sweaters and all the holiday toys over here are flying off the shelves. It's been really great."
"They come in and they're like, 'do you have this?' And then they end up finding something, which is great," said Melissa Taylor, a worker at Madison's Niche in Huntington. "It's has been really, really nice because last year, the store just didn't do as well as they thought they were going to do and this year, we have literally blown it off the parks."
Shoppers said they started early Wednesday morning to beat possible crowds and traffic later in the day.
"Christmas snuck up on everybody this year," said Deer Park resident Kim Henderson.
"I feel like I get most of the big gifts but then there's a few things that I forget last minute, so here we are," said holiday shopper Julia Boyle.
The Tanger Outlets in Deer Park said they've experienced a strong holiday shopping season throughout December.
Shoppers were ready to shop right when stores opened at 8 a.m.
"We got here early, so didn't have to wait too long. We live like 15 minutes away, soit's good for quick pick-ups," said Smithtown resident Alex Hoffman.
Some were all done with gift shopping.
"I feel relieved because I'm all ready, wrapped and ready to go," said Northport resident Sam King.
