Valley retail stores compete for last-minute shoppers
Dec 24, 2012, 7:32 AM | Updated: 7:32 am

PHOENIX — While the clock ticks, the shopping crush continues. According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, 17 million shoppers will spend part of their Christmas Eve hitting stores.
Hoping to capture as many dollars as possible, some retailers have been open non-stop since Friday, including some Toys ‘R Us stores in the Valley.
If you want to avoid scouring shelves you can order online by 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve for in-store pick-up in time for Christmas. Most Toys ‘R Us locations are open until 10 p.m. Monday night. Visit www.toyrsus.com to check the store hours nearest you.
Most major retailers, like Kmart, Target and Best Buy open at 6, 7 and 8 a.m. and close on Christmas Eve at 5, 6 or 7 p.m. Best Buy also promises Christmas Eve in-store pick-up if you order online by 3 p.m.
According to the Consumer Reports survey, 62 percent of last-minute shoppers will buy gift cards, while 27 percent will give cash. A bottle of wine or liquor will be the choice for 15 percent, while 4 percent say they provide an IOU. Other last-minute items include candy and lottery tickets.