THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - Growing up we're always told not to wait till the last minute, but shop owners in Downtown Thomasville depend on it.
"We've had a great Christmas, the entire season. This week's been very busy. And we always stay busy until the last minute on Christmas Eve and I think it's because we have so many loyal customers and we have gifts for everyone," said Kevin's Co-owner Kathleen Kelly.
"It's been busy. A lot of wrapping. A lot of last minute things. I think from here on out the people that just can't find anything for you know the person that is left on their list and so books are often a good thing for them," said Bookshelf Owner Katie Chastain.
"I think its been a real big success in the last week. We're having a lot of good traffic, a lot of people coming from out of town. It's really fun shopping in downtown Thomasville too. We've got great restaurants going on so its been a real success," said Ally B Sales Clerk Tawanna McKenzie.
Shop owners say they think the economy is starting to turn around. "It's been an ok year, but Christmas season's been great. I think our whole downtown has been picking up a lot. We've got a lot of new stores so the energy on the streets just seems well and that's really reflected in the shops so we've had a really great Christmas season," said Chastain.
Chastain says they plan on staying open until three tomorrow, but she says if customers are still pouring in then they'll stay open as late as they need to.
Economists say while Black Friday is always a big shopping day, Christmas Eve is usually the most profitable day of the year.
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Kathleen Kelly
Katie Chastain
