Shoppers Stock Up On Last Minute Thanksgiving Items

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Shoppers looking for last-minute staples for Thanksgiving dinner waited in long lines across the metro Wednesday.

Crystal resident Chase Johnson spent most of his childhood shopping at Almsted's.

He said it isn't usually as busy as it was Wednesday.

"Just the fill-ins. We got all the meat, and we're just getting stuffing and cranberries ," he said.

Owner Jim Almsted said it seems people are cutting it closer and closer every year.

"We'll have people asking how can thaw out a 25-pound turkey by tomorrow," he said.

Liquor stores were also packed Wednesday.

Surdyk's Liquor store manager said Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically one of the busiest weekdays of the year.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost for this year's thanksgiving meal increased to $49.41 for a group of 10 people.

That's a 37 cents increase over last year.

Some staples like stuffing, cranberries and turkey are less expensive this year, while sweet potatoes and

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• Thanksgiving