One Day More For Shoppers In Westerville
With Christmas just a day away, the final shopping day is expected to bring a familiar last-minute rush, shaped by crowded big-box stores, steady Uptown foot traffic, and noticeably lighter activity at some traditional department retailers. That outlook is drawn from conditions observed Tuesday, which offered a clear snapshot of how shoppers are approaching the holiday’s final stretch.
Parking lots at Walmart and the nearby Kroger were already full by midday Tuesday, with drivers circling for spaces and a steady flow of shoppers coming and going. The adjacent strip shopping center also saw consistent activity, suggesting many consumers are focusing on convenience, grocery runs, gift cards, and quick add-on purchases.
Nationally, early figures suggest the local scene fits into a solid but selective holiday season. Preliminary data from Visa shows U.S. holiday retail spending up about 4.2 percent year over year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21. The National Retail Federation projects total November–December sales between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion, the first time holiday spending is expected to top $1 trillion. While online sales continue to grow, physical stores still account for roughly three-quarters of total spending.
A different picture is expected at Kohl’s. Only a small number of cars were parked outside the store during inspections last week and again on Tuesday. Inside, the kitchen department showed a thin selection of equipment and gear, a noticeable contrast to its footprint several years ago. The reduced inventory reflects broader challenges facing the brand and suggests the store is unlikely to see a significant late surge.
Uptown retailers, by contrast, are forecast to see steady to substantial foot traffic. Several stores reported regular seasonal business, and one specialty shop said Tuesday’s sales were comparable to Black Friday. That strength mirrors national trends showing continued demand for specialty retail, apparel, and electronics, even as consumers remain price-conscious.
Restaurants are not expected to share in the late-season rush. Local dining spots reported fewer customers than usual, and even a local Wendy’s described Tuesday as a slow day. National reports suggest many shoppers are prioritizing retail and grocery purchases over dining out as Christmas approaches.
As the season winds down, local merchants are also reminding shoppers that some of the most distinctive gifts aren’t found in crowded big-box aisles. Small, independently owned stores in Uptown Westerville offer locally made items and specialty goods that don’t appear in national inventories, making them a strong option for last-minute gift-seekers.
Shoppers should plan accordingly. Many Uptown stores are expected to close by early afternoon on Christmas Eve, as owners and staff wrap up the season and head home for the holiday.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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