Last-minute shoppers brave crowds

By Staff
BUSY DAY Even though they finished Christmas shopping in November, Heather Smith, left, Jennifer Lee and Jackie Smith braved heavy crowds at Bonita Lakes Mall on Saturday just "for something to do." Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Dec. 23, 2001
Jennifer Lee had all her Christmas shopping done a week before Thanksgiving, but that didn't stop her from braving heavy shopping crowds on Saturday.
The Meridian woman shopped with her mother, Jackie Smith, and her sister, Heather Smith, "just for something to do."
Lee's mother also had her shopping done a week before Thanksgiving.
Joseph Lawson traveled with his brother and cousin from Demopolis, Ala., to do some last-minute shopping. Carrying several bags, Lawson checked out fragrances in McRae's.
Parking spaces at the mall were few and far between. Its easterly neighbor, Wal-Mart SuperCenter, also was packed.
Gift wrap at Wal-Mart was down to about 10 rolls by 1 p.m., and shoppers picked over what was left of fragrances and personal items, a big gift this year.
Betsy Northam, a McRae's sales manager, said White Diamonds has also been a popular fragrance this season. Her colleague, Rhonda Houston, said a crockpot sale emptied shelves before 3 p.m.
Meridian architect B.B. Archer and his wife, Sally, headed out during afternoon hours for some last minute items.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.

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