Dec 29, 2008 5:57 pm US/Eastern
Shoppers Return Gifts Amid Huge Bargains
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
In a sign of the times, a consumer group says more shoppers are returning their holiday gifts this year in order to buy items they really need.
In a tough economy, the Farelli's are making sure every gift they got this holiday counts. That means exchanging luxurious ones for things they really need but can't afford to buy.
"We get things that are nice intentions but not stuff we really need, so we try to swap it out and get something we use cause the deals are great right now," Annette Farelli said.
A school teacher and a construction worker, the Farelli's are worried about the future. That's why they're even returning gifts for store credit.
"Get a store credit and then use that credit later for a gift you may need later. We have kids' birthdays, so they benefit from the store credits now," Annette said.
"I returned one and got stuff I really need like dish towels," said Margie Drussfador from Westwood.
Mariet Molinet said not only is she shopping for belated holiday toys for the kids now because of the huge discounts, but she's hoping to get more in return.
"I went to Macy's to return a coat. I want to wait a couple of days for it to go on sale," said Mariet Molinet.
Shoppers tell CBS 2HD they're actually doing the bulk of their holiday shopping right now because of the great deals in the stores.
Madaline Grabala tried to save money during the holidays by making homemade presents, but she was shocked over bargains of up to 70 percent off. "We have Christmas stuff for all year," she said.
Analysts say you will see more shoppers, who are off from work this week, in the malls as they try to stock up on deals for the holidays next year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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