T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Michelle Wilkerson, left, and Chelle Franks of Cadiz do some last minute shopping at the Ohio Valley Mall on Thursday afternoon.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Many people are still taking advantage of last-minute shopping at the Ohio Valley Mall in the days leading up to Christmas.

Candi Noble-Greathouse, marketing director of the mall, said hundreds of shoppers are making their way into the mall in hopes of securing gifts for loved ones. Over the past week, those numbers have continued to rise each day.

“This entire week, ever since last weekend with the beginning of Super Saturday, it really hasn’t let up. We definitely have a lot of last-minute shoppers,” she said.

Noble-Greathouse said a number of stores are offering deals and discounts on items that are advertised in the shops’ storefront windows.

“Our stores have some great deals and gifts for different price points. … The stores are waiting on everybody and they have plenty of opportunity to help everyone find the perfect gift,” she said.

She said a lot of people are purchasing gift cards if they are unsure of what to purchase.

Also popular items seem to be jewelry, cell phones, shoes and items from gifting shops.

On Thursday, shoppers made their way shop to shop inside the mall hoping to find some last-minute presents. Michelle Wilkerson of Cadiz said she procrastinated her shopping this year and was on the hunt for some stocking stuffers along with gifts for her mother and daughter.

“I’m just trying to get some little things left over, especially before the storm comes,” she said.

Lisa Roe of Lore City, Ohio said she just returned home from Florida and waited too long before starting her shopping this year.

“I’m usually done by now but I procrastinated so I’m doing some last-minute shopping,” she added.

Roe said she was shopping for her adult children, though she wasn’t completely sure what to buy them this year for Christmas. A few shops on her list to browse were Boscov’s, Bath and Body Works, and Lowe’s.

Jerri Carter of Moundsville accompanied her son, Tyler, as he shopped for a gift for his sister. She said he was planning to buy her a coat.

“He’s spending his own money so he picked out some Christmas presents today,” she said.

The pair were standing in line at the gift-wrapping station to have their other purchases wrapped.

Ella Binkiewicz, 14, of Cambridge, Ohio was doing some last-minute shopping with her friends, 17-year-old Sydney Winland and 15-year-old Mya Dimmerling. Binkiewicz said the group came to help her pick out a present for her mom and dad.

The mall is offering extended holiday hours to ensure shoppers have the time to shop. The mall is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Christmas Eve, and will be closed on Christmas day.

“If you’re trying to beat the crowds, early and late is the best option but right now we are in the thick of it so it’s definitely busy,” she said.

Pictures with Santa will be available until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A complimentary gift-wrapping station is set up inside the former Zales Jewelry Store in the mall and will be available until noon on Saturday. Donations are accepted and will go toward the Belmont County Salvation Army’s efforts.