There's still time to buy for those left on gift lists

Sunday, December 23, 2012

SIKESTON -- Shoppers still looking for those last-minute gifts are in luck as several Sikeston merchants will be open through Christmas eve.

According to NRF's latest holiday survey conducted by BIGinsight, the average person had completed 56.5 percent of their shopping by Dec. 13. Still, just 11.3 percent of Americans had completely wrapped up their lists, leaving much shopping left to be done.

When asked which day they would purchase their last holiday gift, 10 percent said they will wait until the very last minute to buy their final gift items on Christmas eve, the National Retail Federation said.

Williams is one of the merchants who knows about procrastinating shoppers.

"Usually people come in here those few days before Christmas looking for last-minute gifts," said Jeannie Williams, who owns Purse N Ality in Downtown Sikeston. "They've been here all week getting last-minute gifts."

While it's closed Sunday, Williams said Purse N Ality is open until 6 p.m. on Monday.

Several other Downtown Sikeston retailers will be open Sunday, Christmas eve or both days.

Men of Falkoffs will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday while Susie's Bake Shoppe in Sikeston is open 8 a.m. to noon Monday. Personal Expressions is slated to be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday.

The Accent Shop will also be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas eve. Store owner Wendy Cox said she usually sees a combination of men and women shoppers the day before Christmas.

"It's everybody who needs a last-minute gift," Cox said.

Elsewhere in Sikeston, special holiday hours and sales are planned at various retailers, too.

For example, Ag-Mart in Sikeston is also open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and is offering several promotions and discounted items through Christmas eve.

Larry James, manager of Ag-Mart, anticipated many shoppers will be out this weekend and into Monday.

"On Monday, men will be going crazy, looking for gifts," James predicted.

Factory Connection, which sells clothing, in Sikeston is open from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores is another popular destination for those in need of gifts.

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