Shoppers face chaos on roads during last-minute holiday trips
- Shoppers flocked to many stores across cities for returns and to capitalize on day-after-Christmas deals.
- The trend of post-holiday shopping includes a significant number of returns, with many Americans expected to return around $900 billion worth of items by the end of 2024.
- While there is excitement about holiday deals, shoppers are advised to check return policies due to potential fees and extended deadlines.
In the United States, the day after Christmas often sees a surge of shoppers returning unwanted gifts and hoping to take advantage of significant sales. This Boxing Day, many shoppers in Chicago and Pittsburgh were busy as stores were filled with long returns lines. Individuals, like Kendall Maggelet in Pittsburgh, shared how they had extra gifts to return after last-minute shopping was done. She emphasized that post-Christmas shopping had turned into a family tradition, bringing joy amid the rush. Meanwhile, national retail statistics predict 2024 will see up to $900 billion returned by American consumers, highlighting the tremendous scale of post-holiday shopping. In Northern Colorado, the atmosphere before the holiday was intense, with a flurry of last-minute shoppers crowding local stores for their last gifts. Retail establishments like Scheels witnessed chaos, as shoppers scoured the aisles for anything that might fulfill their holiday requirements. Amid this buzz, some customers such as Paula Johnson expressed satisfaction in completing their lists and shared their excitement about the festive spirit that shopping brought. Other shoppers were focused on getting into and out of shops quickly, emphasizing the thrill of the hunt for those last-minute presents. In Royal Oak, Michigan, shoppers flocked to retail shops, and small businesses benefited from the influx of customers seeking that perfect last-minute gift. Owners such as Lori London noted that this year saw the best Christmas business since before the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a considerable recovery. Additionally, stores across the UK saw similar trends, with shoppers hit by a wave of post-Christmas activity looking to return gifts or snag new deals in the wake of holiday sales. Despite the enthusiasm to shop and return, industry experts cautioned customers to be prepared for long lines and potential return costs. Some stores have instituted stricter return policies and deadlines, raising questions about what consumers need to know before heading out. The Better Business Bureau recommended shoppers store receipts and verify return policies to navigate this busy shopping landscape effectively. As families continue their traditions, from returning gifts to seeking out great sales, the dynamic nature of post-Christmas retail remains clear, with both benefits and challenges for shoppers this season.