MIAMI (CBS4) – Across South Florida, last minute shoppers are moving at a brisk pace.  Retailers are putting up some of their best deals right now to earn your dollars.

Marie Gonzalez, an employee at the Sport Fanatic in the Dolphin Mall, can barely keep pace. We asked her how does this season compare to last year?

“Honestly I don’t remember it being this packed.” Gonzalez responded.  The Sports Fanatic has seen sales up roughly 10% over last year.  “There has been a lot of lines.  We only have two registers so we are trying to maintain the calm between them.” Gonzalez said.

The drive to buy is being seen nationwide.   Scott Krugman of the National Retail Federation explained why.  “Last year there was a much greater sense of doom and gloom then we are seeing this year.”

It’s estimated a majority of people still have half their list to fill this week.  If your one of them you are in luck.

The experts say you should hit the bookstores Tuesday for deals.  Wednesday toy stores will receive their last shipments and are expected to slash prices.  Thursday will be your best bet for clothing and handbags.

Savings in the stores will cost you to ship. Tuesday is the deadline for US Postal Priority Mail.  Wednesday it has to be Express Mail, and expect to pay overnight rates starting Thursday to guarantee Friday delivery.

Most retailers are offering free shipping thru midnight Monday night.  Some online stores are offering free two days shipping thru Wednesday.  For a list of online stores offering free shipping go to ww.freeshipping.org.  It may be the saving grace for those exhausted by the holiday rush.

Resources online:

www.bradsdeals.com for online and printable coupons www.freeshipping.org for retailers offering free shipping