Last minute shoppers take over local stores on Christmas Eve

With just a few hours to spare, shoppers scurried around local stores to check off those last minute items on their Christmas gift lists.  Many of them got an early start to beat the crowds.

"Procrastinating.  I'm a big-time procrastinator," said Patrick Terry, last minute shopper.

Instead of relaxing at home, Terry spends Christmas Eve going store to store.  He still has some very important people to buy for.

"Couple of things, maybe a laptop, some coach boots for my wife, maybe," said Terry.

Vanisha Carter thought she bought everything online, but family members added a few things to their lists.

"My husband mentioned a video game so I think I'll get that for him, and my son has a new tablet - so some video games mostly," said Carter.

Despite the hassles of shopping the day before Christmas, Taylor Bolfer is all smiles.  She and her mom come out of best buy with a brand-new laptop.

"Who are you shopping for today?" said reporter.

"Me!" said Bolfer.

Shreveport Target employees work day and night to make last minute shopping a little easier.

"Guests can come in, get what they want and have a good shopping experience," said Keenan Mitchell, Target Team Leader.

Mitchell's focus is keeping the shelves stocked.

"We have to make sure everything  is out of the backroom because it can't sell if it's in the backroom," said Mitchell.

The best part of working retail during the holidays....

"Asking guests if I can help you find something, the reaction on their face, 'Oh, y'all have this?! Thank you, thank you'.  That makes you feel good inside," said Mitchell.

Being able to find those last minute gifts is something mom, Vickie Perkins, can appreciate.

"Just kind of forgot a couple of things, come back - just procrastinating mostly," said Perkins.

Target and other major retailers will be closed tomorrow.  However, employees will have to be up early the day after Christmas to be ready for returns and exchanges.