Last Minute Shoppers Mob Downtown San José
Slowly, downtown San José was becoming crowded and by 10:00am, the streets, shops and sidewalks were to capacity, as last minute shoppers made their way to the downtown shops and markets for bargains.

Many retailers, especially in the downtown area, offer last minute price cuts to empty their shelves of merchandise that will be difficult to move after Christmas. Last minute offers on all kinds of articles is common, from small appliances to big screen televisions, where consumers can save as much as 50% off if paying by cash. Traditionally, Ticos leave their Christmas shopping to the last few days.

In contrast, the malls, like Multiplaza in Escazú were quiet, no where near the expected crowds of the massive amount of shoppers in downtown San José.

Affecting the shopping season was also the two big soccer games this week, the face offs of the Saprissa and Alajueala temas on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Multiplaza as well as downtown San José was bare on Saturday night as most Ticos packed the bars or at home in their living rooms to watch the game, leaving the shopping to Sunday.

Saprissa won both games.