Elmhurst stores saw a rush in business in the early morning, but it had tapered off by 11:30 a.m.

Store employees said that shoppers had been coming in and out to take advantage of deals but things had quieted down.

Camden clothing boutique on Second Avenue opened earlier than usual at 8 a.m. with a line of people waiting outside, store owner Dee Doyle said.

“It was crazy,” Doyle said. “... We had a huge rush between 8 and 9 a.m.”

Doyle said things quieted down after that and she expected the store to operate as normal until it closed at 7 p.m.

Dick Pond Athletics, 124 N. York St., opened at its normal business hour of 10 a.m. with people waiting outside, said store employee Lori Dunn. She said that customers seemed interested in the $25 gift certificates that came with purchases over $150.

Downtown Elmhurst traffic was no busier than normal on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Parking spots could be easily found throughout the downtown area during the morning.

The city will restrict parking on York Street between Park Avenue and Palmer Drive at 3:30 p.m. because of the Christmas tree lighting at the City Centre plaza tonight. The street will be shut down at 4 p.m.

The tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m., with Santa arriving at 6 p.m.