Holiday Crowds

Christmas is only a week away, which means that the shopping crowds are likely to grow as people try to get their last minute gifts. While this is great for business, it is not so great for people who hate crowds. Today we’re going to offer our advice for beating the crowds, or how to endure them if you can't avoid them.

Shop on Less Busy Days

With so few days left until Christmas this can be difficult to implement. The weekend before Christmas is a very busy time for malls. Christmas Eve is another day to avoid, and even December 23^rd has a history of being busy. If you can manage it the best day to shop to avoid the crowds would be Monday, December 22^nd. Shop during the week while most people are busy at work to get holiday shopping done without the crowds.

Shop Small Businesses

Small, local businesses are generally not nearly as busy as malls and department stores. Not only will this help you avoid the crowds, this will help support the local community and allow you to purchase a less commercial gift for your loved ones. Maybe you know of some already, or maybe you need to do some research. Either way, a local business is a great way to avoid being packed in with hundreds or thousands of other shoppers.

Shop Online

This close to Christmas getting your gifts in time is going to cost you. To some people however, it is worth it to avoid the crowds. Don’t wait much longer though! In 2013 many people waited until the last minute, and shipping companies did not have the resources or time to get everyone their packages. If you want to buy online, do it now.

Shop the Mall Early, or Late

Stores will be less busy in the early hours of the morning as well as closer to closing time. The biggest crowds will materialize in the middle of the day, roughly between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. This gives you a limited shopping window, but if you just need a couple last minute items this is a good strategy.

Shop with Acceptance

If none of the above options work for you, it may be time to accept that you are going to have to deal with the crowds. Approach this with acceptance and a good attitude. No one likes waiting in long lines and fighting through people to find the items they want. Be polite as you do your shopping and schedule a little extra time into your day than you may normally to account for the crowds.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year from all of us to you. Here is to the start of a great 2015!