Shoppers and unwanted gifts ‘returning’ to North Central West Virginia retail centers after the holidays
December 24, 2024
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Following the holidays, most people have more than they need and even want.
But many shoppers still look to capitalize on the overstocked, post-holiday sales of late December and early January as stores ring in the New Year with new merchandise.
“There are a lot of deals and holiday decor that are already marked down right now. And of course they’ll get marked down even more after the holiday season,” said Kaylin Jorge, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce director of communications.
While not every store features as good of deals on electronics post holiday season as they do on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, there are still many retailers that look to clear their shelves to make room for the latest and greatest.
“Black Friday and Cyber Monday are big days for electronics, but technology is always changing and prices are constantly falling,” Jorge said.
Many clothing retailers often discount the last season of winter wear as the New Year approaches so they can make room for the next year’s newest trends, Jorge said.
Additionally, many retailers also discount wrapping paper, gift bags and other holiday-specific accessories and decor.
Hallmark at the Meadowbrook Mall holds a promotion for half-price holiday ornaments and boxes of holiday cards the day after Christmas, said Jean Spiker, store manager.
“A lot of Hallmark customers know that our ornaments and our box cards will be going on sale, 50% off, the day after Christmas. So, there’s usually a line out there waiting for us to open the gate,” Spiker said.
This gives people the opportunity to stock up on the essentials before the next holiday season. But it only works if they actually remember to do it.
Tamara Bartlett, who visited the Meadowbrook Mall Monday to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, said she was planning to return after the holidays to purchase discounted decor, but admitted she doesn’t always think to stock up.
“I’m not a big shopper. I get what I need and then I’m out. I’m not always good at coming in. But I do love getting deals,” Bartlett said.
These deals, Bartlett said, can help shoppers stretch their holiday budget if they start shopping early enough.
“If we just did our shopping right after Christmas, we could buy everything for the next Christmas cheaper. I’m not sure how a lot of people (afford) it these days,” Bartlett said.
The holiday shopping season extends to the New Year as shoppers return to shopping centers to take back unwanted gifts and use gift cards received during the holidays.
More than 70% of U.S. consumers plan to shop the week immediately following Christmas, according to the National Retail Federation.
Nearly half of all consumers return to shopping centers so quickly to take advantage of holiday sales, a quarter to use gift cards and more than 15% to return unwanted gifts and holiday items, NRF said.
Story by Damian Phillips, WV News