There were mixed emotions on the streets of Hamilton as shoppers geared up for the holidays.

With many scrambling to get their last-minute gifts and groceries, some were cheerful, others weary, while some were feeling the burden of seasonal expenses.

Tahkesha Welch said: “I am a bit tired but I have caught some good deals, Bermuda is doing pretty good this year.”

She admitted she started her shopping late and far from being finished. “I am shopping for my two teenage boys, aged 14 and 19,” Ms Welch added.

She is looking forward to spending time with her family over the holiday, which is what the season is about, she said.

Not everyone expressed the same joy as some noticed prices being high compared to retailers overseas.

One shopper furiously mentioned that she saw an item in a local store that costs $699 while the same item is $199 online. This prompted her to shop for her gifts overseas instead of locally.

Another Christmas shopper, who gave his name as Mr Cains, expressed his thoughts.

“I think Christmas is a lot of making other people rich and wealthy, which is business, but people need to be smarter in the way they are investing and spending their money this time of the year,” he said.

Some department stores have seen the tills ringing, especially during the Black Friday sales.

Rochel Mills, sales associate at Gibbons Company, said: “Black Friday was a success. We had great deals, great savings in the departments — Gibbons Company is here for servicing Bermuda. We try to accommodate all.”

She said the store would be open today from 9:30am to 9pm, on Saturday from 9:30am to 6pm and Sunday 9:30am to 5pm.

Siam Spa, on Reid Street, is also offering discounts and deals for the holiday.

Ingrideeich Welch, a Siam employee, said: “We are offering loads of great treatments, our prices are fantastic, we are very busy, offering all sort of treatments such as massage facials, waxes and tints.”

A spokesperson from Ptech said the store was very busy and had a successful Black Friday. Ptech’s opening hours are 8am to 9pm, until Christmas Eve, when it opens from 12pm to 6pm.