Shoppers hit up local businesses for last minute Christmas gifts

With Christmas Day only two sleeps away, the last-minute holiday shopping scramble has officially begun.

Across our area, many people are choosing to buy local this Christmas season, braving the December drizzle for some last-minute holiday shopping.

On James Street North, small businesses buzzed with people hoping to spend their hard-earned dollars on local goods.

And business owners on Ottawa Street rolled out new sales for the eleventh-hour push to pull in last-minute shoppers.

“We planned in advance that December would be a little small show, so we have a bunch of really small paintings, they’re a reasonable price,” Justin Scholman from Crown and Press said.

“It’s great stocking stuffers, it’s a perfect size.”

READ MORE: New reports suggest Christmas spending has increased despite inflation

The days right before Christmas are critical for local shops, but long-time retailers say it’s been a slow season.

“I understand with the economy, people aren’t spending as much,” Patti Harrison from The Dragon’s Lair Unleashed

“Trying to keep my prices as reasonable as I can considering all the costs involved in importing and bringing in good quality items.”

But loyal customers are helping out the local shops. One shopper said they think it’s important to support the local economy.

“It’s easy to go online and order from all over the world, but it’s good to support your neighbour.”

The Christmas craze continues over on Locke Street, with people making sure stockings are stuffed, and everyone has a present under the tree.

And shoppers on the 23rd had some words of advice for procrastinators hitting the stores tomorrow, saying they should try and stay away from the mall where it will be way busier.