GREEN BAY, Wis — Monday marks 30 days until Christmas morning so we're asking the tough question, are you ready for it yet?
Stores are certainly ready, especially considering a late Thanksgiving this season that pushes back the Black Friday rush by nearly a week this year. Today we spoke to businesses preparing for the increased traffic and shoppers about preparing for the holiday ahead.
This is the calm before the storm, as folks in downtown Green Bay experience a brief moment just before the holiday when most shoppers, aren't racing against the clock yet. It’s a situation which is especially true, for Pierre Ashley.
"Actually I am ahead of the curve man. That's the way to go. Those crowds they get crazy and can be vicious so I just went ahead and started crossing off my list early. I got about one or two presents left and I'll be done."
But there are others, especially retailers, who are prepared too. At Furs and Clothing of Distinction they've been waiting for the holiday rush patiently, especially considering Thanksgiving comes six days later than it did last year.
"We did prepare ourselves a little bit earlier and did begin putting things out a bit earlier than normal this year," says Jill Muenster the Business Manager of Furs and Clothing of Distinction.
Muenster says they expect the pace at her shop to pick up drastically by this weekend and especially in the weeks that follow, as the holiday shopping season turns into a get it done situation.
"Once we get past the second week in December you definitely are getting to the point where your size may be gone or the colors you want or things of nature may be gone," says Muenster referencing why it’s always a good idea to get the shopping done sooner rather than later.
So if you have an item, or a full list left of presents to get yet, now might be the time. Because the clock is ticking and Santa doesn't step it up, just because you fell behind.
"We all know what happens, you end up giving out a 20-25 dollar gift card to Starbucks or something. If I can give my advice get it done early," says Ashley.
