The mall comes alive on last shopping day Boston 25 News [Video]

BRAINTREE, Mass. — It began 26 days ago. And, on average, the 2024 holiday shopping season is looking good on paper.

The VISA Retail Spend Monitor predicts a nearly 5% increase in retail sales this holiday season over last — with consumers making the bulk of purchases the old-fashioned way: in stores. But e-commerce continues to make gains. VISA estimates online purchases now make up about a quarter of holiday sales — and grew by 7% this year.

The final day of holiday shopping turned out to be a brisk affair at South Shore Plaza. The venerable mall wasn’t obnoxiously crowded, but drew enough shoppers to create a line for Santa pictures inside and, as the hours ticked down, lengthy searches for a parking spot outside.

We found the Nunes family finishing up with Santa. And how could you miss them? Mom, Dad, and the three children dressed for the …