Some are open 24 hours until Christmas Eve.

Others are reducing prices to lure last-minute shoppers.

Local stores are gearing up for those who are still searching for Christmas gifts.

And stores are coming close to finding out if this holiday shopping season was a success.

The strength of holiday sales depends on who you talk to, said Sandy Forstner, director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Some retailers are reporting below-average sales and others are going quite well," Forstner said. "So it appears that shoppers are shopping around."

Forstner emphasized that shopping locally is beneficial to the community and helps the stores who contribute time and resources to community events throughout the year, Forstner said.

"It would be a great holiday gift to retailers in Austin if they (residents) spend a few more dollars there," Forstner said.

Sales at Target in Austin have been meeting expectations for this holiday season, said Chris Vail, executive team leader.

"Really there's nothing that's been shocking," Vail said.

Kmart and Shopko have been open 24 hours since Friday. On Christmas Eve, Kmart will close at 8 p.m. and Shopko will close at 6 p.m.

Dan Hewitt, general manager at Kmart, said the store was open 24 hours for a few days last year, as well. He said it gives people who work night shifts time to get their shopping done.

Hewitt said the store is usually busy right before Christmas, but that people are usually buying smaller gifts for acquaintances.

In general, business has been pretty good at Kmart, Hewitt said.

"It started off with a bang, slowed up again. We're pretty good," he said.

Jim Lunt, store manager at Hastings Shoe Repair, said sales have not been as good as expected, but customers have been coming in regularly.

Lunt said Christmas Eve is the busiest shopping day so the store will be open Tuesday until the customers are gone.

Sam Ewing, general manager at Sterling Main Street, said he expects Monday to be the busiest shopping day. The store has had many promotions, including direct mailings, which Ewing thinks has helped sales. Prescription customers also have been taking advantage of the 15 percent discount they receive on purchases, he said.

"It's been successful this year, a good month," Ewing said.

Steve Bluskey, Shopko store team leader, suggested DVD players, jewelry and toys featuring SpongeBob SquarePants for last-minute gifts.

Popcorn tins, tea sets, CDs, DVDs and body products are typical buys for last-minute shoppers at Kmart, Hewitt said.

"They're not overly expensive," he said.

Lunt said Carhartt sweatshirts and Smart Wool socks have sold well throughout the month. The store has sold hundreds of pairs of Smart Wool socks in December alone.

"It's a great stocking stuffer," Lunt said.

Because Main Street/Sterling Drug is the largest gift store in southern Minnesota, Ewing said, shoppers can find a suitable gift no matter what time of year. Some can buy a $15 Yankee candle or a $500 Tiffany lamp if they visit the store.

"We have a huge selection of gifts for people to buy," he said.

The chamber of commerce's Christmas in the City activities also have been successful this year, Forstner said. All locations -- downtown, the northwest and southwest -- reported a high number of visitors to the events, which were held after Thanksgiving, Forstner said.

"Everybody was well-pleased," he said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com