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Community Corner

Procrastinator's Guide to Last-Minute Shopping

As the city bustles with final holiday preparations, last-minute shoppers rush around for those final Christmas gifts or in some cases, just begin.

As the city bustles with final holiday preparations, last-minute shoppers rush around for those final Christmas gifts, or in some cases just begin.  Despite popular belief, Black Friday is not the biggest shopping day of the year. Though it varies, it is generally just a few days before Christmas according to data from the International Council of Shopping Centers. Late December paydays, gift cluelessness and downright dread all combine to have people jamming into store parking lots to pick over the remains of the holiday sales. 

A bit of planning can make this chore less hectic. Here are a few things you can do to make things a lot smoother.

First, develop a game plan. The old saying is right – if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. You must have some idea of the folks you're buying for and their needs or interests. When you get to the store, don't be afraid to ask a store clerk for gift suggestions. 

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"We ask the customer what the person is into and try and help guide them to the right gift," said Brandon Travis, manager at Best Buy in Dunwoody. 

If you're avoiding the mall choose a shopping center with a variety of different store options such as apparel, shoes, toys and electronics all in the same vicinity. Time is of the essence and you must be efficient. Driving around from store to store takes up precious time. 

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Don't forget to take your sales circulars with you. Many stores will match a competitor's price. This will also save you time and money. 

Tom Key waited until closer to Christmas to do his shopping. He chose Perimeter Mall.  "All the name brand stores are here," he said. "I don't have to move around too much."

Also, it may help to partner up. Paulo Souza, who doesn't expect to complete his shopping until Christmas Eve, was out on Monday shopping with friends. 

"I have a few more things to get. I'm hoping my Dad can help me drive around," he said.

The group designated someone to watch the bags while the others continued shopping. This helps make the group shopping a little easier and no one has to worry about leaving a bag behind. 

While many stores are opening earlier and closing later to accommodate the last minute shoppers this week, be advised that most stores will be closing early on Christmas Eve.

Get things straight like sizes, colors, and brand before hand. Pay close attention to the sales signs. This is key – the lines will be long and finally getting to the register only to discover that it was cotton gloves and not the leather ones on sale will annoy you and waste time. 

If all else fails, gift cards or gift certificates for experiences such as Spas or massages do show a bit of thoughtfulness.

Nothing says, 'I had no clue' like cash stuffed in a Christmas card. But in this economy it may actually be welcomed. 

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