Day after Christmas a huge day for returns, sales

Christmas Day has come and gone but holiday shopping isn’t over.

Returns and exchanges began Thursday and even more spending.

Many people spend the time between Christmas and New Years doing their returns.

Many retailers still accept returns for the month of January for all holiday purchases, with a 90-day deadline window from when the item was purchased.

But each store has their own deadline so you’ll want to check directly with them.

Consumer World has some advice on hassle-free returns.

First, don’t fight with the day-after-Christmas crowds, instead go back a day or two after that or see if they provide free returns by mail. When you are making the return, try and bring a sales slip or gift receipt for full credit.

Consumer World suggests you check if online purchases have return fees, if so try and drop those to a brick and mortar store to save money.

Finally, if there’s a problem, contact the store manager or customer service. If they can’t resolve it, a complaint can be filed with the state Attorney General’s office.

“I return nothing and then I try to get some good deals afterwards. It’s like a little reward to myself,” said Paula Lopes who was out shopping Thursday morning at Assembly Row.

For those not making returns but continuing their shopping with gift cards, you’ll be in good company.

The National Retail Federation expected Americans to spend $28.6 billion dollars on holiday gift cards.

A Credit Summit survey from last year found 60% of Americans surveyed have unredeemed gift cards and half have lost one before.

Experts say try to add the gift card to either a digital wallet or an online account so you don’t forget you have it.

They also remind that depending on how long you wait to use the card, you run the risk of the store going out of business.

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