Westfarms offers tips for the estimated 30 percent of shoppers who wait until the last minute to shop for Christmas gifts.

Westfarms is bustling the weekend before Christmas. Photo credit: Amelia Papadakis

By Ronni Newton

It may have seemed as if there was plenty of time to shop for that just-right holiday gift, but suddenly those weeks have turned into days, and the time until Christmas can be counted in hours.

According to Westfarms Marketing and Sponsorship Director Sarah Williams, as many as one-third of shoppers are traditionally procrastinators, waiting until the weekend before, or even the day before Christmas to purchase gifts.

“In years past the percentage has been even higher. People have been shopping earlier this year,” Williams said on Friday afternoon as the mall, located in both West Hartford and Farmington, prepared for the last minute rush. “I think many woke up this morning and said, ‘Oh my gosh!'”

The crowds Williams anticipated for the weekend arrived in force, and police officers from both West Hartford and Farmington assisted with traffic flow. The shopping frenzy is far from over, however, and Williams said that she expects Wednesday – Christmas Eve – to be busy through the afternoon hours. Westfarms will remain open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Williams offers some tips to make the experience more pleasant and productive for those remaining last minute shoppers, and said that gift cards are always a great option.

If you choose not to purchase gift cards, Williams said that having a list is key. “Try to find a store where you can buy multiple gifts. Department stores are great because you can shop for everyone there,” she said.

“What I love to do is call a store ahead of time and have them set aside an item,” said Williams. Stores have varying policies on placing items on hold, but she said it doesn’t hurt to ask.

“Map out your route in advance. Go to shopwestfarms.com, and find out where the stores are, which entrance you should use, and be strategic,” said Williams. The website also features specials that are available each day.

Westfarms offers gift wrapping as an amenity, sponsored by Hartford Healthcare. “Gift wrap has been very busy. People really like it, and they wrap much better than most people can.” The cost is $3 per gift, inlcuding wrapping, ribbon, and a tag. Williams said that she anticipates a line right up until Westfarms closes on Christmas Eve.

This year’s retail results won’t be known until the season is completely over, but Williams said that traffic levels have been up at Westfarms, and most retailers report that sales are up over last year.