Post-Christmas Shopping Frenzy Begins As Stores Offer Big Deals
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Are you hoping Santa Claus still has a little something in his sack for you? Even jolly old St. Nick is probably scoping out the after-Christmas sales on Wednesday.
CBS 2's Susanna Song reports the Target store on Elston Avenue in Bucktown opened an hour early Wednesday morning to accommodate shoppers either returning gifts, or trying to get in on the deep discounts you can always find the day after Christmas.
The store was busy right when the doors opened at 7 a.m. Most shoppers headed straight for the back of the store, where all the holiday merchandise was on sale.
In electronics, several TVs had prices slashed, and the store was offering a $50 gift card for those who buy the new iPod Touch 5.
WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports plenty of people also were shopping at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
Post-Holiday Sales Bring Out The Shoppers
Brandy, from Des Plaines, said she started her family's post-Christmas shopping tradition last year.
"Normally, we just sleep in, but I thought we'll return some things early before it gets too busy," she said. "We came … and I really had no idea there were such great sales the day after Christmas. So, now I make it a tradition."
She said she gives her kids money for post-Christmas sales, and brings them to the mall to spend it.
By and large, across the board, retailers didn't see the type of sales they expected for this holiday season. Overall, shoppers didn't spend as much as retailers were hoping. Reports showed sales were just slightly up compared to last year.
Stores like Target were hoping to get shoppers into their stores from Wednesday through the end of the year to boost sales.
Target store manager Lec Crum said when the store opened at 7 a.m., "We have two doors, and there was 50 people at each door, waiting to come in. … So, this is a big day."
Shopper Laila Lee said, "I'm finding sweaters and other stuff for my New Year's party."
Jen Demay said shopping the day after Christmas is the smarter way to shop.
"I'm picking up some things my kids really liked this year, and getting more of them for next year, and sort of planning ahead," she said. "The deals are really good; 50 percent off, you can't beat that."
A lot of people also were returning or exchanging Christmas presents.
Lauren Berger said, "We decided we would beat the crowds. He wanted to open this so badly yesterday, and had to wait, so we decided as soon as it opens."
Crum also said many people got gift cards this year, and wanted to use them Wednesday, because of all the sales.
