Shoppers wrap up last minute gifts

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - With Christmas Day just two days away, stores are crowded with people finishing their last minute shopping.

The kids make their requests then clamor down from Santa's lap, parents still shopping around for some favorite knickknacks.

“I thought I was done, but you know, somebody mentioned one more thing they just had to have,” said Gary Traywick.

He spent the day tracking down some last minute gifts with his daughter and others were also out and about with their families.

“We're going Christmas shopping for my nana and my papa and my dad, and we found lots of stuff we can get them,” said Daelin Skinner.

She said she’s looking forward to opening presents Christmas morning and so is her friend.

“When I get to wake up and see all the presents under the tree and get to celebrate Jesus.”

And while the shoppers hustle and bustle around the mall, employees are also busy checking merchandise and helping customers during the last minute rush.

"The last couple of weeks has really picked up with last minute shopping...madness,” said manger of PacSun at Bel-Air Mall Tai Cupit.

The Alabama retail association estimates this holiday season, shoppers are spending four percent more in the state than in 2011.

A spokesperson says it could be the best year for commerce in Alabama, since the recession hit in 2007.