Shopping Update: 12/10/09

I had a day off work today and decided to venture out to the shops and malls, in the hopes of running a few errands and picking up my last Christmas presents. My observations:

• Stand-alone, smaller stores were much less crowded than big box stores and stores in the mall. Old Navy, New York & Company, Ann Taylor Loft, and Sports Authority were largely empty and didn't have lines at the check-out.
• Target was crazy. Lots of cars in the parking lot and huge lines to check out. It didn't feel like the middle of the day on a weekday! This experience was mirrored in the two grocery stores I visited too- very busy, aisles crowded, and lots of spills on the floor!
• The mall wasn't too bad. The walkways and food court were crowded, but the stores themselves weren't too busy.

A lot of stores are having sales now. Just a few that I saw:

• 30% off all regular priced items at Ann Taylor
• $15 boots at Old Navy
• Buy one sweater, get one free at Ann Taylor Loft
• Buy almost anything in NY & Company and get another item at 75% off
• 50% off sweaters at the Gap

And, if you buy something, most stores are giving away coupons for money off your next purchase in an attempt to entice you to buy more later.

Maybe waiting to buy Christmas presents until later in the season is smart this year. What do you think? How are your shopping excursions?