Big Turnout Expected for Last-Minute Shopping in Central Florida

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – With four days until Christmas, shoppers are expected to take advantage of the last Saturday before the big holiday.

The National Retail Federation estimates 157.2 million people will shop on what’s become known as “Super Saturday.”

Last year, the NRF estimated 141.9 million people would shop on the last Saturday before Christmas.

[RELATED: Last-minute holiday shopping: Traps to avoid, tips to save money]

Angie McCann, senior general manager for the Altamonte Mall, said it’s the busiest shopping day of the year.

According to McCann, extra housekeeping and security measures have been put in place in preparation for Super Saturday. The stores have been readied for the anticipated surge in shoppers on this busy day.

McCann said with fewer Saturdays in between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, she thinks the mall will see a lot of shoppers.

McCann mentioned that historically, the last two Saturdays of the shopping season tend to be the busiest. Last Saturday was no exception, and similar expectations are set for the current day.

According to the NRF, some of the top 10 items consumers have already bought this year include clothing, electronics and jewelry.

Melissa Huggins was out picking up some last-minute gifts at Pandora on Saturday for her kid’s grandmothers.

“They had some bracelets and charms on sale that we’re going to get, and we’re probably going to check out Oceanology right after,” Huggins said.

One family, the Pollards, traveled to the location for the Build-A-Bear workshop. While their main purpose was not shopping, they were open to the idea of finding a last-minute gift for someone as they enjoyed the atmosphere on Super Saturday.

“Being in the mall now, we might find an extra thing we didn’t realize we needed but it’s just nostalgic being here and I love it,” Michelle Pollard said.

To see the Altamonte Mall’s holiday hours, click here.