Shoppers fill stores seeking deals, returns after Christmas

The manager at the Target store located on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard was greeted with a long line waiting for her to open the door when she arrived at work this morning.

The reason for the crowds? Discounts on Christmas decorations, she said.

"We've got bows, we've got the little Christmas hooks, a little bit of everything," said shopper Kelly Murray. She and her family make it a point to shop after Christmas..

Target slices the prices on wreaths, wrapping paper, storage containers and ornaments by 50 percent beginning Dec. 20. Artificial Christmas trees are on sale, too.

"50 percent off is awesome," Murray said. "You're saving a ton of money with stuff."

"We're here to try and pick up bargains that will help us out for Christmas next year," said shopper Jane Bynumn. "We come out every year."

It's not just these impressive deals on Christmas decorations that are drawing crowds. Many were out to spend with gift cards they got as presents.

"They're kind of burning a hole in my pocket, so I had to get out here quick," said Molotov Mitchell.

Others were out to return items that just didn't fit the bill.

A report that came out just before Christmas noted that some major retailers, such as Macys, Kohls and Costco, are scaling back previously open-ended return policies. The easiest way to make a return is always with a receipt. And some stores have shorter return periods for one of the hottest holiday items – drones.