On the final weekend before Christmas and just five days before the holiday, shoppers were crossing off the last few names on their lists and finding last-minute gifts at Vicksburg stores on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a good day,” said Alice Hebler, owner of Paper Plus on Washington Street, as a handful of customers browsed her store. “This is always a good weekend. Men will start shopping today, and they’ll take whatever they can get.”

Across town, Chris Ingraham toted shopping bags out to his car with his mother, Jerry, at the Outlets of Vicksburg — where the crowds were steady, but not overwhelming.

“I’ve done a little shopping on and off before today, but I’m trying to wrap it up this weekend,” he said. “We’re heading for Jackson after this.” 

Much like downtown and the outlets, Pemberton Square mall and other large retailers such as The Home Depot and Wal-Mart had a steady stream of shoppers, but there was plenty of parking space to be had and elbow room through the aisles.

Despite the economy, Hebler said her sales are about on par with the holiday season last year, and overall she has been encouraged by the number of people shopping in downtown Vicksburg.

“It’s actually been a really good season; better than I had anticipated considering the economy,” she said. “People might not be buying cars or making as many big purchases, but they’re finding the money to buy Christmas gifts.”

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com