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East Texans search for last-minute gifts ahead of Christmas Day

On Friday, snow was falling over at Broadway Square Mall in Tyler, where several shoppers were out looking for presents for family and friends.

TYLER, Texas — With Christmas quickly approaching East Texans are scrambling to find last-minute gifts.

On Friday, snow was falling over at Broadway Square Mall in Tyler, where several shoppers were out looking for presents to give family and friends. 

"I'm hoping to go to GameStop and get my little brother some video games, (and) go to Dillard's get my mom some UGG slippers," Jahir Martinez said. 

Since the kids are out of school, some people brought the entire squad with them like Feliciano and Alma Rocha and their two daughters.

"Last minute shopping, Christmas presents, yes -- spur of the moment," Feliciano and Alma Rocha said. "We weren’t going to do anything but then Ebenezer Scrooge had to get out the house. So we were just like 'hey, let's go to the mall see Santa Claus and get a little shopping out the way.'"

Candace Foster, marketing director and business development for the Broadway Square Mall, said there are some things they need to know before coming to shop. 

"The parking lots are busy and full so make sure you arrive early," Foster said.  "I would say the earlier the better. Make sure you come with a list of everything you need to finish up your list. Just make sure that you're prepared for crowds. The crowds will be here, but everybody seems to be in a great mood while shopping."

Businesses like the clothing shop Weird and Different said they are prepared for all the last-minute shoppers.

"We try to keep everything stocked. We try to make sure that our most popular clothes are well stocked," Gloria Wilson with Weird and Different said. "We stay open late. We don’t close until they kick us out."

The mall is offering extended hours. On Saturday, the mall will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Christmas Eve, people can shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa will be at the center court of the Broadway Square Mall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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