Mall packed with post-Christmas shoppers making returns, using gift cards
Malls and shopping centers across the Coachella Valley were packed Monday with people cashing in on Christmas gift cards and returning items that were not exactly what they had on their list.
According to the National Retail Federation, one in three people will return or exchange something after Christmas.
Those returns are most likely going to the larger name brand stores, but local mom-and-pop shops next door are cashing in on the influx of holiday shoppers.
“We have had some accelerated sales today and we don’t do anything special,” said Eleni Austin, who works at Record Alley in the Westfield Mall. “People want to come and spend their money with us, which we appreciate.”
Many shoppers had to take a few laps to find a parking spot, but it certainly wasn’t impossible. Many people taking advantage of the fact that this Monday is the official federal and state holiday since Christmas fell on Sunday.
The Westfield Mall was also packed with people using gift cards.
“I just love all the sales. I am a shopper, a shopaholic, and I think that today is by far the best on deals for sales, even better than Black Friday to me,” said Maura Parkeurst who had spent several hours shopping.
JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
