BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Shoppers crowded the registers on Monday trying to sneak in some last-minute holiday shopping.

“The shopping has been really good this year,” said Ricky Blanchard of Crafty Choice. “People seem to be excited and they have been coming through in waves. Everyone has been happy and joyful.”

Blanchard has rented a booth at the University Mall in South Burlington during the holiday season for the past 15 years. For him, sales are up this year.

“They are buying more items with less amount I noticed. Instead of one big ticket item, they are looking for three items that are a little smaller amounts to equal it,” Blanchard said.

According to stores inside the mall, they’ve seen hundreds of people come through their doors this holiday season.

But in downtown Burlington, the Burlington Business Association says sales are down. Many stores are extending their hours to catch up.

“It has been off and on, you know, the weather always has an impact. Today is pretty cold but, I do know that in Chittenden County people have been making choices to go places other than Burlington. I expect that we are going to find out that online shopping is up again this year,” said Kelly Devine of the Burlington Business Association.

Holiday shoppers told me despite the cold, they’re still out and about.

“We are pretty last minute, we have been pretty busy during December,” said Hannah Laorse of Grand Isle. “Unfortunately, it is the 23rd and we are still looking for gifts. But, that’s OK. It is a little chilly out today, eight degrees in Burlington. But, still coming to Church Street.”

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