Busy shopping & spending day

With stores closing early Friday, this is the last full day of shopping before Christmas and shopping mall parking lots are already beginning to get full.

Stores and credit card companies say today is one of the busiest days of the year for consumer spending at retail outlets. The Retail Council of Canada says Canadians spend an average of $1500 on gifts each year, and much of that will happen Thursday. Retailers have prepared for this day with extra staff, increased inventories, and extended store hours. Cristina Tenaglia checked out the crowds, at a Walmart in Burlington: