Local malls prepare for holiday crowds

Area malls are expecting big crowds and a surge in holiday sales Saturday as last-minute shoppers take advantage of the extra weekend before Christmas Day.

“We’re expecting it to be very busy,” said Jill Schlapkohl, director of mall marketing for the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. “Black Friday was very busy for us, but that’s more of a traditional [shopping] holiday. This is more last-minute shoppers. Since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, people have the opportunity to take the whole weekend to get ready.”