Just a few days before Christmas, Edmonton malls were packed with last minute shoppers.
It has been something that retailers have been waiting for.
“The last couple of weeks were really slow because of the weather, and now it's getting busy,” Rehman Sakhi with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory said.
“Lots of people they like the sweets. This is a time for Christmas,” Sakhi added.
A study released Friday shows that 69 per cent of Canadians had not finished their holiday shopping and 22 per cent had not even started.
According to the poll, Albertans will be spending the most nation-wide with an average of $1,586.
However, vice-president of consumer deposits at CIBC, Barry Gollom, warns that people need to monitor their spending.
"To start the new year off right financially you need to ensure you don't overextend yourself during the holidays and exceed your budget.”
He also suggested people use their smartphones when shopping to check in with mobile banking and stay on top of how much is being spent.
With files from Sarah Richter, The Canadian Press
