SHOPPERS have been given a helping hand by one retailer as we head into the final run up to the holidays.
Target is staying open until 8 pm on Christmas Eve so there's still time to grab those last-minute gifts.
And while this means they're closing early - locations are usually open until 10 pm - it's still a full two hours later than Walmart, which will shut its doors at 6 pm the day before Christmas.
Until then shoppers can take advantage of Target's extended opening hours in which to finish their present buying, as all locations are currently trading from 7 am until midnight.
The retail giant is also closing its 1,963 stores on Christmas Day in order to give employees the opportunity to celebrate with their families.
It's the perfect time to relax and recharge for shop staff after the hectic holiday shopping season.
But it does mean consumers will have to complete shopping for presents on Christmas Eve, though purchases can still be made through the website for delivery or collection after the holidays.
The retail giant isn't alone in shutting its doors for 24 hours on Christmas Day.
As well as closing for the holidays, retailers are also operating to reduced opening hours on Christmas Eve.
However, because times may well vary between locations, it's best to check your local store's holiday hours before setting out on your shopping trip.
For anybody finding themselves desperately in need of a final gift or missing a vital ingredient for Christmas dinner, all is not lost.
Select stores are opening on December 25, though they are likely to be working to shorter hours.
Walgreens, Bravo Supermarkets, Duane Reade, Giant and CVS are all open for business, as are some Safeway locations.
Convenience stores including 7-Eleven, Casey's General Stores and Wawa are trading on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile a number of restaurants and fast-food outlets will be open as usual, including McDonald's, Starbucks, Domino's, Dennys and Hooters.
As well as holiday opening times, shoppers sending gifts by mail should check on last posting dates.
Many deadlines for arrival by December 25 have already passed, including those for sending through the USPS.
There are still a few options available to Americans however, through carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
With FedEx consumers can still opt for 1-day, overnight and same day delivery to get their parcels to their destinations by Christmas Eve.
While with UPS, the cut off for domestic next day air delivery is December 23.
For those still frantically looking for last-minute gifts, many retailers are offering great deals, such as these stocking stuffers and classic Christmas cookies from Dollar Tree.