NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
Holiday shoppers around the tri-state area are hitting the stores trying to make last-minute purchases.
Some malls are staying open 24 hours a day to help customers with last-minute gift needs.
There are a couple of words to describe the scene at the malls – completely packed, insanity and crazy! Last minute shoppers Fox 5 spoke to say despite the crowds and long lines they wouldn't have it any other way.
People packed the Queens Center Mall well into the night Saturday looking for last minute gifts.
"Well, I'm buying my mommy a little Christmas present!" said one young shopper.
"Yeah, it's crazy. Everyone is pushing and shoving -- it's so funny," added another customer.
The final Saturday before Christmas is always a busy one.
Stylist Nina Barr says the crowds here at the mall are a welcome site for this holiday shopping season. She says these crowds are double from what she saw last Saturday.
"Today was really busy, a lot of people are coming to shop, people waiting for the last time," said Barr.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, the majority of U.S. consumers have already finished up their shopping.
The National Retail Federation estimates sales for this holiday season are set to rise about 4 percent from last year resulting in approximately $586 billion dollars.
Many shoppers like Miguel and Kim Quinones say they like waiting until the last minute.
"It's never too last minute, you can always get good deals if you come late," said Miguel.
"We got to figure out what we want and then you come to the mall and you go and get it," said Kim.
With the Queens Center Mall and many other stores like it staying open 24 hours until Christmas, shoppers are also hoping it'll give them a bigger chance of getting what they want.
The Queens Center Mall is open 24 hours until Christmas Eve and closing that day at 7:00 p.m.
