Shoppers flock to stores to use gift cards, return gifts, find post-holiday deals

CONCORD, N.C. — Thousands of people headed out to stores across Charlotte on the day after Christmas to hit all the post- holiday sales, use the gift cards they received and return the gifts that didn't work out.

Channel 9 was at Concord Mills Monday morning, which opened an hour earlier than normal to accommodate shoppers who began arriving around 9 a.m.

CLICK HERE to see store hours for malls in the Charlotte area

Mall officials told Eyewitness News that Monday was expected to be the busiest day for shoppers who want to use gift cards they received on Christmas.

Some shoppers Channel 9 spoke with got to the mall early to beat the rush.

“We came back for exchanges and then of course, found some really great deals,” said Ashley Bejte.

Besides the gift cards, it was a busy day for families who want to exchange or return gifts.

The Better Business Bureau wants to remind shoppers to look into each store's return policy. They suggest that if you have to return or exchange a gift, save all your receipts, have an ID ready and keep the original packaging.

They also encourage shoppers to return the item within the timeframe printed on the receipt, and to visit the store when it's least busy.

Mall officials told Channel 9 that some stores have even extended some of their holiday sales.

According to a survey from National Retail Association, they predict that nearly half of consumers will shop the week after Christmas. It also found that 22 percent of consumers will use their gift card as soon as possible.

As of noon, the parking lot at Concord Mills was about 50 percent full. The mall extended their valet service Monday as they expected foot traffic to increase in the afternoon.

Concord Mills will close at 9 p.m.

Cox Media Group