Cermak Plaza in Berwyn was bustling at 9 a.m. Friday, just minutes after many of the stores in the shopping center opened.

Some shoppers perused an array of Christmas trees in the parking lot while others searched for the perfect holiday gift.

Although cars were packed in the parking lot and people were browsing the shops, business was still down compared to last year, according to Cristina Garcia, assistant manager, at Rainbow, a clothing store.

“This year has been really, really bad in sales,” Garcia said, who estimated revenue was down 70 percent.

Garcia said she has noticed about the same number of people coming into the store, but they seem to be buying less.

That was true for Cicero residents Larry and Pearl Ward, who were shopping in the plaza’s Dollar Tree.

“We’re spending just a little more than half of what we usually do,” Pearl Ward said.

The Wards were mainly shopping for their 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

“We get them one thing they want but mostly just what they need,” Larry Ward said.

“This year (the older) ones asked for things for the house, Pearl Ward said. “Cooking supplies, clothes, the essentials.”