SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
The hours are counting down until Santa guy takes to the sky.
That means there's not much time to finish buying your gifts.
Although the University Mall was full of shoppers Thursday, one retail group says people aren't spending like they expected.
ShopperTrak says it could be because stores offered deals earlier in the year, and there's more than a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
"It actually surprises me a little because it seemed earlier that the mall was so full and looked like people were really shopping but maybe they weren't, maybe they were just looking," said Tracy Fisher.
Because of the numbers, many stores are slashing prices, which seems to do the trick.
"Yeah because you got to give people something. So I got a $5 dollar DVD for my sister," said Justin Bunnell.
"It's starting to get busy. Everyday it's getting busier and busier. This weekend and Saturday in particularly should be one of the busiest days of the year," said University Mall Spokes Person Jamie Polli.
Even with the idea many stores are ready to lower prices some people say dealing with the crowds this weekend may not be worth it.
"I'd like to get it all done here and now and quickly," said Bunnell.
Mall leaders say if you are worried about crowds this weekend, keep in mind many of the stores are open late and the later you shop the less people you'll have to deal with.
