Cope resident Anthony Simpson is the epitome of a last-minute shopper.

With only two hours to go before his work's Christmas party on Tuesday, Simpson started searching for gifts to give his co-workers.

"Most of the time I do last-minute shopping," he said.

The last-minute shopper can have many reasons for waiting until the 11th hour, including fearing large crowds, waiting for good sales, being too busy with work or simple procrastination.

Charlotte Hutto of Barnwell has a different reason.

"I like the rush and the feeling of the Christmas spirit when everybody comes out," she said.

In many cases, it can be a reflection of someone's personality.

"I'm a last-minute person," said Timothy Inabinet of Holly Hill.

Inabinet, a barber, said work has been extremely busy this holiday season. Once he purchased a gift for his wife Tuesday, he was headed back to the barbershop.

He is not a fan of the traditionally large Christmas shopping crowds.

"I was looking for it to be shoulder-to-shoulder," he said. Inabinet was pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case this year.

North resident Sandra Spear said she normally has her Christmas shopping finished at this point, however financial factors forced her to do things differently this year.

Ditto for Frank Nettles, who put off shopping because he thought prices would be lower closer to Christmas.

Simone Stanback of Orangeburg said the big sales are another good reason to be a last-minute shopper.

"That's when the best sales are," she said.

Some people say they postpone shopping because it's not their favorite activity.

"I hate it, I hate it," said Terry Mooney.

He was checking off the final items on his Christmas gift list. Mooney was shocked the crowds weren't larger.

Orangeburg resident Sannie Wright said she is accustomed to heavier holiday crowds. Nonetheless, she was "grateful for this day being quiet" while shopping for her grandchildren.

Traffic is Denmark native Josh Freeman's excuse for delaying his shopping. Even though the mall was not packed, Freeman believes the traffic "was still bad."

The Rev. Larry McCutcheon suggests shoppers have a plan for navigating stores and crowds.

"I found out what I needed and it took me all of 10 minutes," he said.

Normally, McCutcheon waits until Christmas Eve to buy presents. That makes his Tuesday shopping not as last-minute as it has been in the past.

"In fact, I'm early," he said.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.