Also known as "Panic Saturday," Dec. 22 is the last Saturday before Christmas and is widely known as one of the largest shopping days of the year. Super Saturday is so big that it routinely rivals and even beats out Black Friday for most in-store retail traffic.
Super Saturday targets last-minute shoppers, so it is often filled with great deals and bargain buys. On the other hand, malls and shopping plazas will be packed with people rushing to get gifts, and the streets are likely to be backed up with traffic.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 134 million consumers plan to shop on Super Saturday this year, up from 126 million people last year. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says on the NRF website that during this weekend, “Retailers will use every opportunity to see that shoppers have a great experience in these final few days. Whether looking for competitive prices, festive in-store events or last-minute online shipping deals, retailers are ready to deliver.”
If you need to make a shopping run this Saturday, find out what you should expect at some of the busiest retail spots in Sacramento.
Pros: Large department stores and chain retailers will have lots of gift options for everyone on your list.
Cons: Arden Fair is expected to be VERY busy, and parking will undoubtedly be a nightmare.
Arden will have extended hours starting on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. These hours will continue into Sunday, with Monday’s hours being from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa will be available for a photo opportunity from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. this weekend. Santa’s winter home is located near Nordstrom in Center Court. Reservations are available but not necessary.
Stores at Arden Fair Mall have ongoing sales through the weekend. Check out which stares will have markdowns here.
Pros: Located in the heart of Downtown Sacramento, you can take on DOCO in between shopping at other quality stores in the city.
Cons: DOCO is still unfinished, which means there aren’t as many stores as some of the more established shopping centers.
Starting tomorrow, Urban Outfitters at DOCO is having early shopping hours. Doors open at 8 a.m. Early hours will continue through Monday.
Macy’s is taking it one step further, opening their doors on Saturday at 7 a.m., which will continue through Monday as well.
Several stores in the Downtown Commons will have sales going on this Saturday, which can be viewed here.
Pros: There’s an assortment of stores and it's a good place to grab a bite to eat without pausing the shopping experience.
Cons: A crazy parking lot that is sure to be busy during this time of year.
A variety of sales are going on at Sacramento Gateway shopping plazas, which you can view online.
Pros: Upscale stores and adorable local boutiques.
Cons: Expensive.
Pavilions Shopping Center offers luxury shopping and has several local stores for those who want to support Sacramento businesses. A directory of its shops and restaurants can be found here.
Online shopping options
Want to beat the shopping craziness altogether? Online shopping is the way to go.
Though Christmas is right around the corner, you can purchase expedited shipping for items that you want to arrive before Christmas.
Amazon offers 1-day and 2-day shipping through Sunday, which should get your gift to its location on-time.
In addition, the NRF’s Annual December Holiday Consumer Survey found that many shoppers wanted to receive or planned to give a gift of experience.
This can make your shopping experience much easier. Tickets to concerts, sports games, and other events can be purchased online. Plane tickets, hotel and dinner reservations, and all-out getaways can all be planned from the comfort of your home and make the ultimate gift!
________________________________________________________________
WATCH MORE
Jason Momoa teaches Mark S. Allen how to say his name, tells the truth about some internet rumors and talks stunts on Aquaman versus Justice League. Jason also talks about the excitement of SNL, what he thought of 'Aquaman' on the TV show 'Entourage,' and watching this movie with his family.