Last minute shoppers shop locally

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Although Christmas is a mere hours away, it was clear by the crowds inside the stores in Hamden that many folks still had some shopping to do.

"Very busy," said Lori Hershman the owner of Evan's Toy Shop in Hamden.

This year there was a big push to shop local and many residents say for both convenience and nostalgia, they chose to buy local.

"All the memories and everything. That's what keeps the spirit going. You look at the different things you saw when you were younger and everything and it has a lot of meaning to it," said Roseann Kellaher of Hamden.

"Is this store one of them," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"Yes it is. I always spent a lot of time in here when my kids were younger," Kellaher said.

"Like to keep it local, support your local businesses," said Lenny Chapelle of Hamden.

Judging by the steady flow inside this toy store, many residents bought into the movement.

"People have mentioned that to me all the time they've said they're doing everything locally this year," said Hershman.

The owner here says shopping local provides a more personalized experience. In this case they wrap your gift for you free of charge and she says that's especially helpful for one particular group of shoppers.

"Usually the last day is men. Men shop in the last day," said Hershman.

Sorry guys but we got that confirmed.

"That's exactly right. A few items I forgot to get and I'm just shopping around now, plus they wrap the stuff for you which is nice," said Chapelle.