After-Christmas sales lure in Coachella Valley shoppers

Christmas is behind us and now it’s the mad dash to return or exchange all of those gifts too big, too small, or ones you simply didn’t like at all.

“I had to exchange for smaller sizes. A lot of my family didn’t know and just guessed on sizes,” said shopper Michaela Santistevan.

While you’re at it, retailers such as some at the Westfield Shopping Mall in Palm Desert are reeling you in, hoping you’ll open your wallets to spend even more.

“I’m out taking advantage of all the bargains after Christmas,” said Nancy Manning, of Rancho Mirage.

“I got a lot of gift cards and money. All of the sales at the mall are today,” said Santistevan.

Some stores offered discounts ranging between 50 and 75 percent off. The big mark downs come after pre-Christmas sales across the country were weaker than expected, down more than three percent compared to last year.

However, Palm Desert mall officials said that didn’t seem to be the case there.

“We feel really fortunate. It’s been a fantastic season,” said Westfield Marketing Director Franchesca Forrer. “A lot of that has to do with Dick’s Sporting Goods. There’s new energy, people are coming back to us, exploring the new restaurants or discovering us for the first time.”

Forrer said there’s more to come. An H & M clothing store is in the works, a World Gym comes in February, and a Stuft Pizza in the spring.

For now, shoppers like Nancy Manning are thankful for the gift of major post-Christmas deals.

“I got lots of stuff, a sweater, pair of pants and jacket,” said Manning.

“Shop until I drop. We’re going to be here all day,” said Santistevan.