Shoppers rise early to get rid of returns, take advantage of post-Christmas sales

On the day after Christmas, shoppers returned to stores – some to return unwanted gifts but many others to take advantage of post-Christmas sales.

Latia Jackson is among those who knows that deep discounts come to those who wait.

“I feel like after Christmas everything is marked down like 30 or 40% where before Christmas they only mark down 20% give or take,” she said.

She and her daughter brought back a pair of shoes and spent the rest of their day looking for deals.

Others set an alarm to arrive when stores opened on Monday, hoping to avoid traffic and long return lines.

“We try to stay away from stores the day after Christmas, but today was a necessity,” said John Bunting.

Raymond Karrenbauer was making an exchange.

“I got this for my dad as a Christmas present," he said. "I actually got the wrong model entirely.”

According to the National Retail Federation over $760 billion in merchandise was returned last year.

Because of rising prices caused by inflation, shoppers will likely spend more this year than last, an estimated increase of 6 to 8 percent.

“If you want it, you’re going to get it. People are still going to go shopping regardless," Jackson said.

Sales are expected to continue through the coming days. For those who wish to avoid crowds while cashing in, early morning hours are the best bet.