MADISON, Wis. -- The forecast doesn't seem to bode well for last-minute shoppers, but some retailers said they're holding their own, or even doing really well when it comes to sales.

Some might think the snow and wind would be bad for retailers, but both East and West Towne mall marketing officials said, so far, they're both having an "excellent season," and that last-minute shoppers always do their thing -- no matter what.

That was evident Tuesday as shoppers stepped out into the blowing snow and wind. One man was seen pulling his child down the sidewalk in a sled, WISC-TV reported.

It's just one of the challenges of last-minute shopping this week.

Still, last-minute gift buyers seem to be dealing with whatever Mother Nature -- and the city -- can dish out.

"I'm a Wisconsinite, but this is the worst plowing I've every seen in my forty years in Wisconsin," said Mary Jo Brilla.

Brilla, like other shoppers, planned out her driving route to finish her shopping chores and made it to a thrift store on Williamson Street Tuesday.

Those braving the elements, though, said they found plenty of good deals on gifts for their hassle.

Brilla picked out some piano music for her husband and books for friends.

Shoppers said it's all part of the sometime dizzying ritual of last-minute shopping that can have some perks, despite the weather.

"It's not overly busy. There's plenty of capacity and there's plenty of good merchandise, too," said Ernie Stetenfeld, of St. Vincent de Paul.

In iffy weather those that do make it out might find quicker check outs and easy gift-picking.

At St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores, holiday sales are a small but important piece of the revenue puzzle.

The need for good holiday sales might grow with the size of the store, but officials at a Fitchburg SuperTarget, for instance, said that so far the weather hasn't dampened sales, calling them "normal."

It seems shoppers are just lowering their heads and finishing off their shopping lists, with a little grumbling a long the way.

"Oh, I don't like it," Jack Poland said laughing outside the SuperTarget. "I'd rather be home in front of the fire."

Pat Denson, a last-minute shopper, said he knows what he means, but noted that, "When you procrastinate, that's what happens!"

The major Madison malls said they have to wait and see what happens with the weather.

But they're keeping their fingers crossed and said so far, so good Tuesday.

A winter storm watch remains in effect for portions of southwestern Wisconsin from Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. A transition back and forth between snow and freezing rain will be seen across the area from Wednesday afternoon through Christmas. From Wednesday afternoon through Christmas, significant snow and some ice accumulations appear likely -- although exact amounts are still uncertain, according to the National Weather Service.