DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
At Ala Moana Center, Robin Flores and her 6-month-old daughter, Amanda, did some last-minute Christmas shopping yesterday.
The hot toys sold out weeks ago to people who planned ahead. Procrastinators hit the stores
last day before Christmas
By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.comThe clearance at J.C. Penney Co. Inc., is offering more bargains but fewer selections.
And Macy's may be out of some sizes of pink pajamas.
But still last-minute shoppers flocked to Ala Moana Center yesterday, the last shopping day before Christmas.
"I can't be empty-handed for my Mom," said Jeff Kalani, of Pauoa, while looking for a gift at Williams-Sonoma, an upscale kitchen retail shop.
"I want to surprise her with something she would never ask for. I'm looking for something she won't spend her own money on. This is the last gift I absolutely need today."
Some waited to the end because they had to.
Ray Carulli, of Kailua, who was looking at toy cars in Shirokiya, said he waited until the last minute to shop because he's been busy working.
Others had no problem shopping on Christmas Eve.
"I can do this in two hours, no problem," said Steve Carroll, of Kahala, who had just bought some perfume for his wife. "The outside limit for men is two hours; any more than that is highly stressful."
He was reassured by a perfume saleswoman at Macy's that "if she doesn't like it, she can return it," so he went for it. He also had to shop for his mother-in-law, father-in-law and son.
Robert Braunthal, of Kahala, was looking for a necklace for his girlfriend and relying on the advice of 5-year-old niece Kayla Braunthal -- "she has great taste," he said.
He admitted to being rather desperate.
"Look at my sweaty palms! ... I'm not much of a shopper. It's the first time I've come here (Macy's) since last Christmas," Braunthal said.
Paul England, of Makiki, was shopping for a pair of binoculars for himself to use at the University of Hawaii bowl game today. When asked about Christmas gifts, he said, "I'll probably give them (his family) money. It's a pretty good gift. You can do anything with that."
Store managers are happy with the crowds.
"It's been a record year for us, and we've had a couple of record days," said Micah Shklov, a manager at Sharper Image. "The hottest sellers have been digital cameras and air purifiers; a lot of grab-bag stuff under $50, like headphones, pens."
