LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — As the sun set on Viewmont Mall, Many shoppers came through the doors looking to check the last few items off their Christmas list.
"I've seen more people out shopping this year than I have other years," said Jerry Colotti.
"Marked up" is what Valerie Ferlauto thought of holiday retail prices. "Everybody had sales buy one get one 50% off, but the initial price was much higher than it had been in the past."
Along with gifts, inflation is on the minds of many shoppers who have been dealing with high prices all year long.
"A couple of weeks ago, I was in Dicks looking at a T-shirt for 30 some dollars, which I bought, but I was just in there now, and it's 47," said Lisa Powell of Old Forge.
She says high price tags are not unusual during Christmas, but inflation makes some things unbuyable.
"Now these new kids they want name brand stuff, and everything is going up around this time, and now it's even worse with the inflation," said Powell.
While inflation is persistent, shopper spending is projected to be up as well, according to the National Retail Federation.
It expects holiday sales to rise 3% to 4% this year; more consistent numbers than the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to pre-pandemic 2019.
"I think people are generally in good spirits this year, and with the weather not being too horrible, they look happy to go out shopping," said Mary Noldy of Dunmore.
While shoppers say the prices are up, Noldy says keeping an eye out for deals can help you save a quick buck and make sure another gift gets under the tree.
"Some people are displaying their items, say sweaters. They are letting you know that it's $78, but currently, today, it might only be 35," said Noldy. "I did take advantage of that as well."