Stores Extend Hours, Offer Deals in Post-Christmas Push

Retailers say sales down compared to last year

The holiday shopping season has already given us Black Friday, Super Saturday and Cyber Monday. This day after Christmas is known as Big Bargain Thursday as retailers around the nation offer great deals to lure shoppers back into stores in the final days of the year.

The day has historically been one where people make returns and exchanges, but several major merchants are making a big push to turn those exchangers into shoppers.

  • Sears is offering 40 percent off appliances priced more than $499 if a store credit card is used.
  • KMart is offering $.50 off per gallon of gas with a purchase
  • At Walmart, select items are 25 to 50 percent off
  • Toys R Us stores are offering buy one, get one 40 percent on some toys
  • At Macys, some men's shirts and suits are buy one, get one free

Other stores announced plans to open early and stay open late to get as many people through the doors as possible.

  • Woodfield Mall opens at 7 a.m.
  • Oakbrook Center opens at 7 a.m.
  • Target pens at 7 a.m.
  • Westfield Old Orchard Mall opens at 8 a.m.
  • Fashion Outlets of Chicago opens at 8 a.m.

Officials said sales during the Black Friday weekend was weak, and Super Saturday -- the Saturday before Christmas -- was down about three percent compared to last year.

Additionally, merchants really want shoppers to use the gift cards that were issued for Christmas. Nearly $29 billion worth -- a new record -- were sold this year.

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