Customers make rush for last-minute Christmas shopping

With Christmas fast approaching, customers across Europe are making a last-minute rush for the perfect gift. Keith Crane takes us on a tour of the continent's busy shopping centres.

Shoppers are racing to malls and stores in search of the perfect present.

Despite the financial crisis, the streets of the French capital are crowded with shoppers.

Pierre Pellarey, Director of Prinemps' Department Store, said, "We feel despite the current climate, customers still have a spending agenda for Christmas as they want to please themselves. I would say the turnover is quite good.

Lucie Granger, Shopper, said, "It's very annoying to shop. It's too crowded, way too crowded."

Shopping centers in Germany are also seeing a steady flow of customers.

Hansjoerg Pointecker, Manager of Nuremberg Store, said, "It worked extraordinary well. Our sales volume is a bit above last year, which is very pleasant."

Holiday shoppers jam Michigan Ave., as they rush to find last minute deals in Chicago. Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months while spending posted a second straight increase, raising hopes that that the recovery from the nation's deep recession might be gaining momentum.(AP Photo/Jim Prisching, file)