Shoppers expected to buy for themselves today

'Twas the day after Christmas, the presents were unwrapped.

All I wanted to do was lie down for a nap.

But the malls are hosting fabulous sales today; in hopes that when I return that one item, I'll have extra to pay.

The holiday shopping season continues in full force with Day After Christmas Sales.

Three types of shoppers will hit the stores today; those making returns, using gift cards and the serious early morning shopper hunting for deals mainly on holiday stuff including gift wrap and cards to use next year.

Pretty much like all season, retailers are expected to offer frugal shoppers deals they can't resist. But there will be one difference. Today, shoppers will be shopping for themselves, experts say.

Because cash strapped consumers have been pulling back so hard, they may be ready to take some of that money they've saved to spend on themselves, said George Rosenbaum, president of Leo J. Shapiro Assoc. Chicago market research firm. Woodfield General Manager Marc Strich agrees. "People will buy for themselves because prices are so low."

In an effort to clear inventory, retailers are holding unprecedented promotions and longer store hours today to bring in shoppers with cash and gift cards.

J.C. Penney is hosting its "biggest after-Christmas sale ever" with more than 100 doorbuster offers - twice the number of last year. Doors will open at 5:30 a.m., the earliest ever.

And if you're afraid you'll sleep in, J.C. Penney is offering wake-up calls. The retailer says today is one of the biggest shopping days for teenagers.

Carson Pirie Scott, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., will offer shoppers a $10 off coupon for any item $10 or more.

Many shoppers will hit the malls today with that duplicate gift or one that doesn't fit. Gift givers seem to have learned that attaching a gift receipt to the package makes returns easier. Nearly 60 percent of shoppers said they include either the original receipt or a gift receipt at least some of the time, according to a National Retail Federation 2008 survey.

Surprisingly, the number of people returning gifts is quite small. Two-thirds, or 65 percent, of gift recipients did not return any gifts last holiday season, according to the survey.

Looking past today, retail experts believe the next week through New Year's will be busy for retailers. "Business will be surprisingly good the week after Christmas," Rosenbaum said.

Gift returns: What you need to know

If you have the original receipt: The return should be simple. You can make an exchange or return the item and get your money back.

If you don't: Some retailers will allow you to exchange merchandise without a receipt. But the retailer may provide merchandise credit for the lowest markdown-price at which the item was sold during the holidays.

If it was bought online from a major retailer: You can return the item to the actual store for your money back. Just make sure you have all the paperwork that came with the shipped item.

Know before you go: Most retailers allow only a certain amount of time to make returns - usually 60 to 90 days from the purchase date. Policies are usually prominently displayed, especially at this time of year.

Leave the tags on: Provide all packaging and parts, including tags. Some stores won't accept returns unless the item is in its original package.

For online returns: Know the process. Who pays for shipping the return- you or the merchant? Some merchants will pick up the delivery charges for exchanges, but not for returns. Others offer free return shipping on every return.

Be patient. Remember, the week after Christmas is on of the busiest weeks of the retail year. Frustration is often high and tolerance low.

Source: National Retail Federation

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