SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — Just three days before Christmas, shoppers flooded University Mall, eager to snag the perfect gifts before the shelves ran bare.
“Last-minute Christmas shopping,” said Morgan Sutliff from Jericho, reflecting a familiar rush felt by many. Jacob Turner of Milton shifted to in-person shopping after realizing that online orders wouldn’t arrive in time. “Three days left, and I realized Amazon can’t get it there. So here we are,” he explained.
Hayden Bassett from Vergennes had the same urgency. He was out picking up gifts for friends and his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Katerin Smith, also from Jericho, mentioned how the holiday season had flown by before she could shop. “I haven’t had a chance to go shopping yet; the season has just gone,” she shared.
While the mall was buzzing, shoppers appreciated the liveliness. “I never see people in the mall, so it’s exciting having so many here,” said Bassett. Foot traffic was steady, with shoppers carrying bags and families stopping by for photos with Santa.
Local vendors reported that the weekend was one of their busiest times of the year. Corey Flynn from Montpelier noted, “There’s people walking by nonstop!” He recounted how chaotic things got, especially when a train passed by.
Customers were pleasantly surprised by how lively the mall felt. Ricky Blanchard from Glover observed, “Everybody is happy. A lot of people are surprised at how many stores we have and how well it’s doing.”
But it wasn’t just University Mall that experienced the holiday rush; Church Street Marketplace in Burlington was also teeming with shoppers. Families enjoyed a festive holiday train ride up and down the street. After a tough year of construction and safety concerns, local businesses were relieved to see support pick up during this season.
“I mean, just looking out the window, it’s clear how busy it gets here,” said River Bond, Assistant Manager at VT Flannel Co. “People care about supporting local businesses, and Church Street is the place to be.”
Yet, some shoppers warned that inventory was running low, with Katerin Smith urging others to shop quickly. “If you haven’t gotten gifts yet, get out now. Target has already been wiped completely out,” she said, with a reminder from her daughter Kora: “Only four sleeps till Christmas!”
In a recent survey, about 60% of shoppers indicated they prefer shopping in person during the holiday season for the experience and immediate gratification, highlighting a shift back to traditional holiday shopping after a pandemic-induced online trend.
This year, the holiday spirit is alive and well, and local businesses are thriving thanks to supportive community engagement. It’s a reminder that even in tough times, the joy of the season can bring people together.
For more insights on local shopping trends, check out the National Retail Federation’s report on holiday spending.
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