Customers Flock To Stores For Last Minute Christmas Shopping
MIDLAND PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Many people are out and about doing last minute Christmas Eve shopping.
But some are not getting gifts – they’re getting food for holiday meals.
CBS2’s Leah Mishkin went to Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park, where people were waiting to pick up fresh seafood.
As people go inside, more people join this line. You might ask yourself, why wait in the cold? It’s simple: Tradition. And great shrimp.
Shoppers at Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park on Dec. 24, 2021. (credit: CBS2)
People arrived before the doors opened at 8 a.m. They know the line will grow. It’s like this every year the day of Christmas Eve.
“If you’re the early bird, things move along,” said Midland Park resident Nina Murgolo.
Peter’s Fish Market has been in Midland Park for 47 years. Customers say the fish is fresh and the service is great, so they don’t mind waiting.
“My mom and dad used to come wait on line all the time,” said Harry Wilder. “We come here every year to get the fish for Christmas Eve.”
Shrimp is a popular choice on many people’s menu.
“Is there anyone in your family who requests this shrimp from this place?” Mishkin asked.
“My wife,” said Mike McPadden.
“What would happen if you didn’t bring this shrimp?”
“OK, that’s enough,” McPadden said.
Shoppers at Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park on Dec. 24, 2021. (credit: CBS2)
Owner Steve Sclafani is expecting hundreds of loyal customers at his store on Godwin Avenue.
“We’ll sell, you know, couple thousand pounds of shrimp, a lot of squid,” Sclafani said.
“What is your favorite part of this tradition?” Mishkin asked.
“My family comes back to work. My sister lives in the city, she comes. My brother in law. Old time employees come. Daughters of current employees. It’s a family atmosphere,” Sclafani said.
Family started this business. Sclafani says Peter’s Fish Market was created by his dad and uncle Peter. The pandemic was rough, but retail allowed them to survive.
“We’ve been busier than ever, thankfully,” Sclafani said. “We have fun with it. As hard as we work, we make it fun and we really enjoy each other and our customers
“I would go no other place but here,” Murgolo said.
Leah Mishkin contributed to this report.
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December 24, 2021 at 11:53PM
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