Don't panic. There's time.
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on December 24, 2014 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
James Hamner tests out a new club at First Tee Golf Shop while doing some last minute shopping with his family on Tuesday afternoon.
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Marsha Green smells different candles fragrances at Uniquely R's on Tuesday afternoon while doing some last-minute shopping for stocking stuffers.
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the stores, shoppers were scouring for last-minute scores.
If you have not gotten all your gifts yet, do not panic-- many stores in Goldsboro have elected to stay open on Christmas Eve to help procrastination shoppers.
Family Dollar on New Hope Road will be open Christmas Day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For last minute shopping for Christmas grocery shopping, local Food Lions will remain open until 6 p.m. tonight. Harris Teeter on Wayne Memorial Drive will close at 7 p.m.
Walmart closes at 8 p.m., Target and Kmart close at 10 p.m. The mall will close at 6 p.m. and Old Navy closes at 7 p.m.
At Uniquely Ours on Center Street, owner David Glisson has a different approach.
"We will be open until the last man has a gift for his wife," he said.
But store clerk Jessi Budine recommends coming before 6 p.m.
Uniquely Ours has great stocking stuffer options. Glisson recommends the geode soaps, priced at $14, or the popular horn cups, $9.
Glisson says they have seen a steady flow of shoppers during the holiday season. Sales have been almost on par with last year, even with the ongoing construction.
"We are very pleased," he said.
Head to Barnes Jewelers on North Eastgate Drive for that special someone in your life before 5 p.m.
Employee Scott Smith says Pandora Jewelry is a sure thing.
"The beads and bracelets have over 600 options," he said. "It's the hot thing. And you can never go wrong with diamonds."
Barnes Jewelers has diamond studs for 50 percent off for the Christmas sale.
For the golfer in the family, check out the First Tee Golf Shop on Spence Avenue. Store owner John berry recommends Titleist Pro Vi Golf Balls priced at $39.99.
The staff at First Tee can also help recommend and select new clubs. After Christmas, the recipient can take the clubs back to be professionally fitted to them.
If diamonds and new clubs are not in the Christmas budget this year, head over to Berkeley Mall's Belk for some affordable gifts.
Belk sales leader Tricia Champion has plenty of helpful ideas for everyone on your list.
"Rollerball perfumes are a great stocking stuffer or add on," she said. The small bottles hold 0.8 ounces and cost under $20. Belk also carries body sprays for men.
"Accessories have been huge sellers for us in the 10 days before Christmas," Ms. Champion said. "Watches have been really hot. Scarves have been very big in the last few years."
She recommends looking in the Home Store for iPod docks and sound bars for the tech-kid on your list.
At J.C. Penney, store leader Reid Gaines recommends taking Christmas gifts back to the basics.
"Socks, gloves, women's sleepwear," he said.
Where ever you decide to shop, be prepared for crowds.
"We've been really busy," Gaines said.
He has some advice for Dec. 26 returns. J.C. Penney will open at 6 a.m. to allow shoppers access to sales and returns. Walmart will open at 6 a.m., Target will open at 7 a.m., Kmart opens at 7 a.m., Old Navy opens at 7 a.m. and the mall will open at 8 a.m.
"Bring the receipt if you have it," Gaines said. If doing an exchange, Gaines advises to find what you want to exchange it for before getting into line.
"Most of all, just be patient," he said.