SYRACUSE, NY -- Carousel Center was busy Friday with shoppers in search of a last minute deal or perfect present.
Experts say this holiday season, sales are up across the country about 15%. That makes this the best holiday shopping season since 2007.
Some retailers say they've seen the improvement.
"People are just out there spending money, and it's good to see. We're a small mom and pop store, so it's good for us," says Courtney Nolan, who works at Syracuse Gift Company at Carousel Center.
More people are even spending money on luxury items, like jewelry.
"We sell sparkle, we sell diamonds, we sell precious gems, and those are special gifts. I think maybe people have been holding off their purchases until this holiday, so I think it's extra special this year," says Robert Wilson of Henry Wilson Jewelers.
Because Christmas is on a Saturday this year, many companies observed the holiday on Friday. It gave shoppers the chance to spend one more day looking for presents.
"I had time to go get gifts. I didn't have to worry about rushing home to get to work," says Lasheena Love, who had the day off.
Also, despite the busy season, crowds at the mall weren't too bad, so shoppers say they didn't have to worry about waiting or parking.
"It's not that crowded, and everybody is really helpful," says shopper Brian Gray. "The stores have great sales. It's awesome."
If you didn't get that perfect present or didn't like something you received for Christmas, you can head to the mall on Sunday. It reopens at 8 a.m.
