Aberdeen Mall seeing more people shopping in person this holiday season

KAMLOOPS — After two years of pandemic restrictions, it seems more people across the country are turning back the clock and shopping in person.

A report from the Retail Council of Canada indicates 63 per cent of shopping will be in store at Christmas time.

“Actually, this year I’ve done it all in person,” said Kamloops shopper Tracy Wright. “I don’t know because I do shop online.”

In Kamloops, Aberdeen Mall is seeing more foot traffic than even before the pandemic.

“We’ve been in a fortunate position throughout the entire pandemic and we have seen a return to our pre-COVID numbers. We’re actually exceeding our traffic numbers from prior to COVID in 2019,” said Aberdeen Mall’s marketing manager Kristi Williams.

The retail report says people who’ve made habit of online shopping are returning to stores, particularly when it comes to trying on clothes.

“The convenience of online shopping obviously can’t be beat, but you get to come here you get to try it on, you know if it looks right, if you like the colour. You don’t have to take the time to return it,” noted Williams. Shoppers we spoke with also acknowledge the social aspect of coming to the mall and how good it to be back.

“Super busy, but great to see people out and about and back to normal,” said Aberdeen Mall shopper Kim Henick.

“I guess so, right. I’m always happy to be seeing everybody. Maybe that’s right,” noted Wright.

The mall’s expected to be busy over the next few days as people squeeze in those last-minute gifts.