Central Coast shopping season gets down to the wire and so far it’s not a ‘frenzy’ atmosphere

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -  The days of consumers getting up before dawn to stand in line and crush their way to the deals may be over on the Central Coast and elsewhere.

This season there have been no reports of any such behavior.   The pace has been more along the timeline of cautious and casual when it comes to shopping habits.

Studies nationwide show most consumers are planning to spend about what they did last year, and about a quarter of them will spend less.

Inflation has been a concern across the board with the cost of food, housing, gas and essentials going up, adding to the strain on monthly budgets.

This next week will be the last full week before Christmas. 

 
Buying habits will be put to the test, whether it's in person to make sure the item is in hand, or on line with a guaranteed delivery date.

Many locations are planning festive environments including the Paseo Nuevo Mall, the Camino Real Marketplace and the Camarillo Outlet Center.

Live music and visits by Santa are all part of the experience, but don't guarantee a jump in sales.

Shoppers have told Newschannel 3-12, discounts of over 40% will get them to come into a store or look closer at a rack, but something less than that will not be as much of a draw.

(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)