RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmonders are joining the millions of Americans who hit the stores for last-minute holiday shopping on the final Saturday before Christmas by supporting small businesses and spreading holiday cheer. The National Retail Federation, a retail trade association, shared that 46 million people shopped for last-minute Christmas gifts exclusively in-store on Saturday, with more than $1 billion to be spent on small businesses this holiday season. With only five days until Christmas Day, people peeked their heads into Carytown storefronts, and all eagerly walked down West Cary Street with bags holding the gifts they would hand to friends and family. "I really wanted to spread the holiday cheer — the music — down here today," said Isaiah Williams, a musician from the Greater Richmond Region. With shoppers grabbing those last-minute gifts, including limited-edition collectibles, tech gadgets and accessories, holiday cheer is in the air. Some Carytown shoppers explained that they were shopping for the last person on their holiday shopping list. Consumers are prepared to throw open their wallets and spend 25% more than last year, an estimated $263 billion, according to the Business Software Company Intuit. An annual survey released Monday, Dec. 15, by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights Analytics, indicates an estimated 158.9 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas. This marks an increase from 157.2 million shoppers last year and surpasses the previous record of 158.5 million in 2022, the survey revealed. Many are expected to spend $109 billion this season at small businesses, which are set to benefit significantly from the increased spending this year. Richmonders are flocking to Mongrel, a Carytown small business selling gifts and cards -- one of the many places where last-minute shoppers visit. Laci Combs, co-owner of the store, said "Jellycat" plushies, products made locally in Richmond and "drunk raccoon" cards have been popular items to gift to loved ones this holiday season. "Everything that you put in and every purchase you make here is going to a family that lives here," Combs, who emphasized that her store is the only one where costumers, said. "It makes us able to support other charities. It helps us do outreach programs." ...read more read less