Days before Christmas, stores ready for last-minute shoppers

HADDONFIELD, N.J. (WPVI) -- The Christmas countdown is on, and that means shopping across the area is in full swing.

Just four days left until Dec. 25, and it's a mad dash to find that perfect gift.

"I am not a big crowd person so I find that shopping local is a little better. These stores are not as crazy as the mall," said Nick Spencer of Haddonfield, New Jersey.

This time of year, people eagerly flock to great shopping destinations like downtown Haddonfield. 'Tis the season for some holiday cheer, but also a little chaos at local stores.

"Typically it is pretty stressful this time of year because the traffic is really awful, but I took off today," said Ann Marie of Toms River, New Jersey.

Garry Coleman, owner of English Gardner Gift Shop, says it's the most wonderful time of the year, but also the busiest.

"Friday nights we have candle light shopping, and the carriage goes through every night between Thanksgiving through Christmas, so that's always busy. All the stores are open until 9, and we have lines out the door," said Gary Coleman, store owner.

He says we are still days away from Christmas, but every year without fail, he gets an influx of those last-minute shoppers.

"Our last-minute shoppers traditionally are the guys that wait until Christmas Eve. We close at 3 this Christmas Eve, so they'll be here at 2:45 scrambling around looking for presents," said Coleman.

Buying gifts comes with the holiday season, but most shoppers we talked to say it's really not about if the gift at all, but the spirit of the season.

"It is very special, because for me it is about family and spending time with them and my friends and taking time to do that - some down time," said Marie.