Albany retailers said holiday shopping in Albany is on the rise
Businesses, shoppers in the Albany area report more spending this holiday season compared to last year
By Gypsy Crow
ALBANY — With Christmas just around the corner, holiday shopping in Albany has shown an increase this year from 2017.
The Albany Mall, which can look like a ghost town during certain times of the year, was crowded Wednesday with shoppers and diners enjoying the holiday-themed decorations, the annual train that whizzes around on its ceiling track and visits to Santa Claus in his winter wonderland.
Retail workers and consumers said holiday shopping has increased from last year. An employee from Flaunt Boutique said that this year has been “very busy.”
“We’ve definitely grown since last year,” the Flaunt Boutique customer service representative said. “Last year was still crazy busy, but this holiday season has been a lot more productive.”
Flaunt Boutique’s busy holiday shopping season did not begin with last-minute shoppers.
“Black Friday cleared us out pretty well with the deals, but we’ve had more shipments come in since then,” the Flaunt Boutique employee said.
Among holiday shoppers searching for gifts was Gilbretta Greene. She perused Belk with her mom, uncle and aunt.
“Honestly, I’ve been doing a lot of online shopping this year,” Greene said. “I’ve definitely shopped for the holidays more this year than last.”
Department stores, boutiques and specialty stores alike each had customers of all ages preparing for last-minute shopping. Darnelle Hudgins carried a shopping bag with a pair of new Nike shoes she plans to give to her special someone on Christmas Eve when he visits from out of town.
“I had been thinking about what I should get him for a while,” Hudgins said. “I know he collects shoes and all that so I’m really hoping he doesn’t have these yet.”
Christmas is coming up on Tuesday, but there is still time left to squeeze in some last minute shopping whether it’s jewelry for a loved one, toys for the kids and grandchildren or a new pair of shoes for that special someone.
Businesses in the Albany Mall or around the city have something special for everyone.
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