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Last minute shoppers target local stores for gifts

Posted at 6:45 PM, Dec 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-19 19:45:17-05

Last minute shoppers, we're less than a week away from Christmas. According to Yelp, Milwaukee ranks in the top 20 cities for shopping local around the holidays.

When it comes to last-minute holiday shopping, Patrick Fitzgibbons has a local favorite.

"It wouldn't be Christmas without candy from Burke's chocolate," he said.

The mad rush to Burke chocolate means tasty treats are flying off these shelves.

"They've already ran out today I should've gotten here sooner," Fitzgibbons said.

Although that problem shouldn't last long as all Burke candy is made right in the building.

"This is our busy time right now," said owner Tim Burke.

Burke said between now and Christmas, workers will make thousands of sea salt caramels and toffees to keep up with demand.

"We believe in Riverwest, we believe in Milwaukee," he said.

For those who want to buy a gift that doesn't have an expiration date, The Waxwing in downtown Milwaukee is full of art, jewelry, glassware and more.

"We have things for your mom, for your dad, brothers, sisters, and everyone in between," said store manager Geoff Hoen.

Hoen said nearly all of the items are made in Brew City.

"There are tons of artists in Milwaukee that work very hard to make a living doing this," he said.

Even though last minute shopping can be stressful, Fitzgibbons hopes other Milwaukeeans show local shops love before heading online.

"I know it's easy to go to Amazon and believe me, we do, but on the other hand if we don't support our local businesses then they won't be here," he said.

Click here for Yelp's suggestions of the top local shops for holiday gifts.