Others use this day as a chance to find an even bigger bargain.
It was busy but not packed at Target's South Loop store as the annual ritual of bad-gift returns and not-quite-right gift exchanging got underway.
"I'm surprised because after Christmas I was expecting a long line," said Susan Johnson, shopper.
Despite being the weekend it has not been busy in area retaliers, possibly as the results of a still sluggish economy and the unexpected bad weather.
Retailers like Best Buy saw light to modest crowds as online gift purchases and gift cards increase in popularity over the in-store shopping experience.
"The traffic we're seeing is in and out and quick. People have done their research online and people know what they want. It's a little more quick action than browsing," said Lisa Overwater, Best Buy.
According to some industry experts, the week after Christmas can account for anywhere from 10 to 15-percent of holiday sales. The reason is that retailers want to turn a return into a purchase.
To keep the process easy consumer ratings service, Angie's List, offers this advice:
- if you might return it, don't open it
- check the store's return policy
- check the warranty
- keep the receipt
- don't proscrastinate
Using those tips Alex Alvarez hopes to come away with a deal on something he really wants.
"I'm actually going to get a different camera," said Alex Alvarez, shopper.
But for other shoppers, like friends Natalie Krajewski and Alyssa Burke -- post holiday shopping means an opportunity to go bargain hunting and hopefully find some great sales and maybe even get a jump on gift-giving for next year.
"Some stores are better than others. Some are like 50-percent off but some say they're on sale, but it still cost a lot of money," said Alyssa Burke, shopper.
