LAST minute shoppers took to the streets of Bendigo on Monday, with less than three days until Christmas.
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The sun was shining, as throngs of people shopped for gifts to place under their Christmas tree.
Molly Metcalf, from Bendigo, said she leaves her Christmas shopping to the last minute every year.
"It's the same with birthdays and everything - I always leave it until the last minute," Ms Metcalf said.
Ms Metcalf said she made a conscious effort to shop local.
"Melbourne is too busy and you can get everything you need here anyway," she said.
Another Christmas shopper said he found it difficult to juggle family and work commitments with shopping for presents.
Ross White, who owns Bags On Williamson, said retail was "humming".
"It's been a late start to Christmas," Mr White said.
"This year has been late because I think everyone is busy and it has crept up."
Mr White said he was expecting an even busier day on Tuesday.
"(Business) usually dies just after lunch on Christmas eve," Mr White said.
"That's when the supermarkets go crazy."
Vanilla Spice Christmas Shop owner Leonie Norris said she expected the Maldon store to be busy right up to Christmas eve on Wednesday.
"It's been good, it's been constant," she said.