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It was the day before Christmas, and businesses all over San Diego were reeling as busy shoppers filled the boardwalks and stores in search of last-minute gifts.
People walking the streets of Little Italy were drinking coffee in one hand and holding pre-wrapped gifts in the other. Others passed us as we made our way through the bustling Target stores in Mission Valley. Shops in Ocean Beach I’ve heard a few voices asking his owner about the unique items in his small, family-run shop.
Shoppers and business owners noted that despite the endless interweaving of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, there was a sense of excitement and joy in the air.
On Saturday, December 24, 2022, African Connection business owner Thiam Ousmane set up a stall at the Liberty Public Market as people walked around on Christmas Eve.
(Christian Calleon/San Diego Union-Tribune)
Nancy Freeman, co-owner of Ocean Beach Antique Mall, who runs the Newport Avenue store with her husband Ken, said: “Her day in Southern California couldn’t be more beautiful.”
An antique store owner noted a 20-30% increase in business on Saturday compared to the previous Christmas Eve. The number is also the owner of Mallory’s Furniture Gallery across the street.
“It’s the best Christmas ever,” said Stephen Mallory, who owns the Newport Avenue business. “It’s really like the first season post-COVID.”
Sentiment of business growth this year is in line with a report released earlier this month by the National Retail Federation, which said 158 million consumers were expected to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas this year. . 2016 data.
According to Freeman, a big contributor to the newfound business was people traveling more this year and wanting to buy gifts after the plane landed.
“There was a huge influx[from out of town],” says Freeman. “From El Cajon, to Palm Springs, Louisiana, to Montana, Maine. The day before yesterday, I had a whole group of shoppers from China.
Traveling shoppers who fit the bill included Kate O’Brien and her husband, who traveled from Florida to visit their son and his friend in San Diego. They are her one of several perusal items that reminds her of her childhood spent on the boardwalk of her Newport Avenue.
Shoppers wait in line for food at the Liberty Public Market on Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24, 2022.
(Christian Calleon/San Diego Union-Tribune)
“‘Christmas-ish’ or whatever catches my eye,” O’Brien replied when asked what he was buying.
Point Loma resident Teddy Gowan, standing with his two daughters outside a jewelry store in Ocean Beach, said he was waiting for his wife to pick out a gift for herself. Gowans broke through the crowd on Friday and completed most of his gift shopping for Christmas.
“I’ve done all the chaos yesterday, so I’m calm,” Gowan said.
Many shoppers said their Christmas Eve shopping experience was friendlier than they expected. In Westfield Mission Valley, Imperial Beach’s Gregory family says he experienced his 45-minute-long line at the Russell’s American outlet on Friday.
But Saturday was markedly different, said JC Gregory.
“It looks more relaxed. People are happier,” Gregory said. “No one is intrusive.”
Shoppers walk around Liberty Station for last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022.
(Christian Calleon/San Diego Union-Tribune)
Business owners said many last-minute shoppers seem to be looking for mid- to low-priced items that are easy to purchase.
“The winter Christmas week is our busiest week,” said Ocean Beach Surf and Skate store manager Lizzie Deluca. It was a holiday gift at
Freeman said he hopes this year’s sense of people smiling and braving the holiday season will become the norm for years to come.
“I’m so happy to take a deep breath, have fun, enjoy the holiday season, and go shopping,” Freeman said.
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