Last Minute Shoppers Spend Time Away From Stores

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) _ Many retailers in San Francisco expected Thursday to be the peak of the last minute Christmas shopping rush this year.

But some found other ways to spend the day, including outdoors.

Skaters young and old braved long lines at the skating rink at Justin Herman Plaza.

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

"You can wait an hour and they'll tell you to come back in another hour and you can wait another hour," said one person in line. "So it's awhile."

A lot of families spent Thursday outdoors to get a break from the rain. And many of the kids were just excited to get their presents on Saturday.

Retailers have few complaints this year as business is stronger across the country.

The International Council of Shopping Centers reports sales were up more than four percent compared with last year for the week that ended on Sunday.