Stores Busy, But Not Overwhelmingly So, On Christmas Eve

Last-minute shoppers were out buying those last few gifts Christmas Eve, but north central Connecticut's two biggest malls did not seem to be experiencing the wall-to-wall humanity of years past.

Business was brisk at several retail giants, including Wal-Mart in East Windsor and Target in Manchester. However, the Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester and the Enfield Square were not as jammed as one would expect in the final hours of holiday shopping.

As usual, jewelry stores were busy, with men in particular being seen buying items such as Pandora beads. Entertainment chains like Barnes & Noble and FYE at Buckland were also doing well.

Both the Buckland Hills mall and Enfield Square are open Saturday until 9 p.m.; department store hours may vary.