Holiday shoppers aren’t letting COVID "grinch" their last-minute shopping

VICTOR, N.Y. (WHEC) — Shoppers were checking their lists and checking it twice while out and about getting in last-minute gifts over the weekend.

Saturday is the busiest single shopping day of the year, says the National Retail Federation. When you think of holiday shopping, especially the last weekend before Christmas, a crowd rush comes to mind, but that wasn’t the case for shoppers inside Eastview Mall in Victor.

"It’s not the typical COVID rush, that you might see, people being rude and stuff, but I haven’t seen that at all,” said Stephanie Ward, who spent the day shopping.

What we did see was a "shop till you drop" type atmosphere.

"The lines weren’t too long, we’ve been in and out of every store like three times,” Ward said.

When we asked people how they were gathering for the holiday, many said they were going to be with family no matter what, but ensuring everyone’s safety.

"We’re going to have a small gathering ad we’ll cook,” one shopper said.

“We’re definitely going to spend Christmas together, the plan is always to mask up, but those test kits really do come in handy,” Ward also added.

Shoppers told us they weren’t going to let COVID "Grinch away" their holiday, and seeing people out and positive creates hope for the future.

"It’s been a time coming. I haven’t made it out to that mall too much recently so when I’m here now, I feel like I’m in the Christmas spirit something about just being around people in a great attitude, great mood,” said Michael Manou, another shopper.