After Christmas Shopping Tip: Hold the Returns

December 27, 2007 01:00 AM

So, you’re ready to hit the after-Christmas sales, and just happen to have a gift or two that doesn’t fit or doesn’t fit. As eager as you are to make the switch for something you really love—at a discount, yet—we suggest you hold that thought. Return lines are notoriously long this time of year—nobody’s going to be in any kind of festive, good cheer holiday mood at this point, and you’re really just going to make yourself miserable. Wait out the crowds, and if there’s no good sales going on when you do return, take store credit so you can hit the next big markdowns to get something really great.

If you must return (say you got that luxe sweater you’ve been swooning over for weeks, but in the wrong size—and you don’t want to risk missing out), make sure you’re prepared. Receipt (if you can get your hands on it)—check. Plenty of time (not, say, running out in the last 20 minutes of your lunch hour)—check. Comfortable shoes—check. And be sure to check those receipts or the store’s website for their return policies before you go, so you know what to expect when you get there.

Target.com

December 27, 2007 Meg_TheFloridaBargainQueen wrote:
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My husband and I originally said that we wouldn’t be caught dead in stores today.  However, we needed to go to a couple stores anyway so we decided to hit some other stores in order to make returns and use up some gift cards.

I was very surprised by the *lack* of people in the stores.  The mall was pretty dead, considering, and there wasn’t so much as a return line at Target.  Part of it might be that I live in a college town and it’s typically pretty dead here between semesters—but it was pretty hectic here pre-Christmas.

Unfortunately, I also didn’t see great sales : (

Overall, it seemed like just another day.  Maybe things will pick up tomorrow, though.

December 27, 2007 Amz in Heelz wrote:
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Interesting post, Meg.

I’m in NY and went to the mall in Long Island...well, I think the entire borough of Queens and Long Island took off today, because there was nowhere to park. As you mentioned, the “sales” were god awful; it was a waste of a trip.

I think I’ll be waiting ‘til after the New Year to do a little shopping.

December 29, 2007 Meg_TheFloridaBargainQueen wrote:
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Hi Amz in Heels!

Things picked up today.  My husband and I went to Target again to replace some mixing bowls that broke yesterday.  The return line was to the door!  Fortunately, I was already done with my returns : )

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