ERIE (Erie News Now) – At the Millcreek Mall, thousands of shoppers are braving the weather and the crowds to find the best bargains.
“It was a Boscov’s Christmas tree that was a $200 tree, I got it for $50,” said shopper Ashley Mathias. “I was pretty impressed by that.”
“I hear that there are great deals out here,” said shopper Ivan Potapchuk. “I’m just ready to dive into them and just get shopping.”
According to NerdWallet, the average holiday shopper is expected to spend $762 on their friends and family.
However, the NerdWallet report found that 29 percent of shoppers who purchased holiday gifts with a credit card last year, are still paying off those purchases.
For those who are holiday shopping on a budget, businesses like Tootsie Winkles can help you save.
“We are a children and maternity retail boutique,” said Tootsie Winkles manager Angie Ridel. “We sell used and a lot of new items as well.”
Customers can purchase toys, children clothing, and other items for a fraction of the normal cost.
“Our new items that we do have, generally those are at least 30 percent off regular prices,” said Ridel. “Savings go up from there on the used items. It’s a really east way to cloth the whole family. The kids wear their stuff such a short amount of time.”
Whether it’s at smaller stores or big box retailers, the holiday shopping rush is on.
“You guys better get out here, because the deals are waiting,” said Potapchuk. “They’re going to get taken if you don’t come out here.”
This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.
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