Gift-givers brave a crowded Southcoast Market Place

FALL RIVER – While the clock ticked down those last hours before retailers closed up shop, the fun and panic of securing last minute Christmas gifts came as scheduled.

Shoppers at Southcoast Market Place on Sunday stood in long lines and walked from store to store laden with bags. But most didn’t seem to mind.

“We’re doing the last minute things,” said Elizabeth DaPonte, shopping with her daughter Sue DaPonte, both of Bristol, Rhode Island. “It’s a beautiful marketplace.”

They carried their bags from T.J. Maxx and were headed to Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits and then for a bite at the 110 Grill, making a day of it. And it wasn’t all about presents.

“We had our nails done,” Sue DaPonte said.

Heather Freeman and David Phillips of Middletown, Rhode Island, had differing views on the hustle and bustle of late holiday shopping.

While Freeman said she was enjoying herself and picking up something “for his mom” and “for the cat,” Phillips didn’t share her enthusiasm.

“I’d rather be watching the Pats game,” Phillips said. “It’s crowded. I don’t like shopping.”

Phillips was right about the crowds. A line at T.J. Maxx stretched far from the registers. And, unless everyone was buying for themselves, a lot of people will be getting perfume, cologne and make-up from Ulta Beauty on Tuesday.

Five Below and Old Navy may have been festive, but they were also very busy with shoppers making those last important selections.

The busiest store of all seemed to be Market Basket where customers made their way down clogged aisles with heaping shopping carts that carried hams and cakes and all the little necessities.

Joshua Raposo, of Fall River, was taking a break from it all, having seated himself on a bench. He said he does all his Christmas shopping in brick and mortar stores, not online.

“It’s not bad. I’m almost done,” Raposo said. “I’d rather go out to places. I’ve got to go to Walmart, then I’m done.”

Jason Cuocolo, of Fall River, had actually broken a sweat in Five Below. He was shopping for his 2-year-old and 4-year-old.

“I’m doing some last minute shopping,” Cuocolo said. “I’ve got a couple more spots. It’s nice. It went well.”

Another mother and daughter team, Kristina Pontes and Maya Pontes, both of Fall River, admitted to buying more presents for themselves than for others on this particular day.

“In here, that’s what it’s all about,” said Maya, who held several things in her hands at Ulta Beauty.

“We love coming down here,” Kristina said. “It’s so easy in this plaza.” Their next stop was Market Basket. “And, Starbucks. That’s for sure.”

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.