It's 'crunch time' for holiday shopping

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Stores like Macy's in Terre Haute are full of special deals to offer for all of the last minute shoppers.

"I bought something for my wife and she's out buying something for our kids," customer Leroy Pierce said.

"We don't really have anyone to buy presents for anymore, so we're just shopping for ourselves," Customer Shirley Steen said.

Whether you're on a Christmas deadline or just getting your share of the hustle and bustle, retailers are ready.

"Crunch time is now.  Everybody's checking the last of their lists," Macy's Vice President Store Manager Todd Peterson said.

National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will spend about $750 this holiday season.

That's $586 billion nationwide.

Macy's store manager said the store's busiest time is the three weeks leading up to Christmas, which explains why it was open from Friday morning to Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

However, just like your shopping, preparations for these deals start months in advance.    

Employees created a game plan back in September.

"We want to make a magical experience for every single guest that walks into our building. That starts with customer service training that we put our associates through.  It's all about significant amounts of time that gets spent on where we put our merchandise and just helping everybody understand how special this is for the customer," Peterson said.

Macy's in Terre Haute will be open until midnight Sunday and until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.

The store is collecting letters for Santa Clause.    

Each letter will raise one dollar for the Make a Wish Foundation.