COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. -- Thursday's storms did not keep last-minute holiday shoppers from rushing out to stores on Christmas Eve, trying to score those final gifts before Christmas.
In fact, some the self-admitted procrastinators told CBS 6 they were even greeted with bargains they were not expecting.
"I got gifts for my mom, my dad, my girlfriend, everybody, in one stop!" one shopper said outside of South Park Mall.
With Christmas just hours away many last minute shoppers were feeling the pressure.
"I worked every day up until today so this was my last opportunity to get presents," another Colonial Heights shopper told CBS 6.
Others we talked to tried waiting for a break in the storms before heading out.
"I kept hoping the rain would clear off and it did for a couple minutes so I figured I'd better go out and try to get it done, but now it’s raining again," a Target shopper explained.
Tammy Arnette with AAA said the heightened anxiety that is caused by shoppers rushing around to get last-minute gifts causes a lot of people to throw their bags in their car and then lock themselves out of their car.
"AAA sees a lot of calls this time of year because of people leaving their keys locked in the car, so just remember to take your keys with you," Arnette said.
AAA experts say it is best to take a step back, focus on what you’re doing, and of course remember the reason for the season.
Chesterfield Town Center and many other malls in the Richmond area closed at 6 p.m. Christmas eve. Some department stores like Target and Wal-Mart stayed open later to accommodate the last-minute Rush. Target stores close at 11 p.m., while Walmart closes at 8 p.m.
