Marathon hours at Macy's stores help last-minute Cleveland-area shoppers

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio - Beginning Friday, most Macy's department stores nationwide will stay open around the clock through the weekend to accommodate last-minute shoppers ahead of Christmas.

“The hours are great,” said Michael Beckay, of Cleveland. Beckay was picking out last-minute gifts Friday for his family at Macy's at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted. He expects to be back this weekend.

“I'll be sitting there at one o'clock in the morning and forget something and off you go,” Beckay added.

Macy's stores in the Cleveland area will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 23 at midnight. They will re-open Christmas Eve day, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It's really just for our customer convenience, for them to shop when they're able to,” said Jerry Kovatch, store manager at Macy's Great Northern Mall location.

Kovatch added that Macy's is offering special savings and deals during its extended hours. Its “One-Day Sale,” which started Friday morning, ends 7 a.m. Sunday. Store coupons are also available to use Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $10 off a $25 purchase.

“We procrastinate, but we procrastinate on purpose,” said Kaitie McMurray, of Bay Village, who was shopping with her mother at Macy's at Great Northern Mall.

McMurray said besides the store's last-minute deals, their extended hours are a good incentive to return.

“I like coming when it's early or really late so then there's not as many people here, quicker lines,” she added.

Shoppers said better parking at odd hours is a perk too.

“You don't have to park so far away,” said McMurray.

“Parking is one of the big things,” said Beckay.

Macy's began around-the-clock holiday shopping at select stores in 2006.

Kovatch said food will be available to Macy's employees throughout the weekend to keep them energized. Cleveland-area stores will close Sunday night to give associates time to rest.

“Everybody needs a break,” said Kovatch. He added that his employees volunteered to work the marathon shopping weekend in the fall.