Some stores still open for last-minute shoppers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- It's every procrastinator's dream: a lot of parking and an open retail store the day before Christmas for those in need of a last-minute gift.

Cameras caught quite a few people walking by Valley Fair Mall in the South Bay on Christmas Eve morning.

Many stores extended their hours until 6 p.m. Wednesday night trying to get shoppers' holiday cash.

"The tree just doesn't look right without a few last-minute Victoria Secrets," San Jose resident Mark Desilets said. "The secret is completely out, so yes, we're here, come early in the morning, so we can get in here and get out before the crowds descend."

Retailers are hoping for a strong ending to the Christmas shopping season after a disappointing Black Friday.

The National Retail Federation estimates sales in November and December will be up 4.1 percent this year compared to last year.

Wednesday morning, Santa was taking some last-minute requests. Across the mall, the Orton sisters have some good excuses for shopping so close to Christmas.

"This is kind of the icing on the cake for my mom. I wanted to get some more stuff for her," Ashley Orton said.

"Plus, I just got back from school, so I've been working on finals and stuff and out of state and so I came back and I still had shopping to do," added Alysa Orton.

Talk about dedication to shopping -- Macy's opened Friday and won't close until 6 p.m. Wednesday night. The same goes for Kohl's in Campbell.

For these procrastinators, the motivation to shop at 4 a.m. on Christmas Eve can vary.

"I'm trying to get a little bit of everything so when she comes back, maybe I'll get some things right," San Jose resident John Garcia said.

"Since they're open 24 hours, I thought, 'Why not save some time, get some stuff for myself?'" San Jose resident Keneth Norrington said. "No one else but me."

The most popular toys this year for the kids are Frozen for the girls and Legos for boys.