SPOKANE-- Retailers are running out of time to sell whatever is left on their shelves after the holiday weekend. Many stores will try to convince shoppers to make exchanges instead of returns on another busy shopping day Monday.
Most people know which presents they want to keep and which ones they want to return by Sunday night, which is why retailers are opening their doors extra early across the area Monday.
Holiday shopping sales for 2011 are looking strong. Sales before the final week leading up to Christmas were up by 2% compared to last year, and online purchases are up 15% from last year.
Retailers are preparing for a busy day tomorrow as the major malls in the Spokane area will open an hour earlier than normal. The Northtown Mall and Spokane Valley Mall open their doors at 8 a.m. while River Park Square will welcome shoppers at 9 in the morning.
Big box retailers will also open their doors up to two hours earlier than normal for the rush Monday.
Spokane area Best Buy stores begin their day at 8 a.m. while Target stores start at 7 a.m.. Walmart locations around Spokane are open 24 hours a day. Times for stores in North Idaho may vary.
Retail experts say 10% of all gifts this season will be returned starting Monday, which is more than $46 billion dollars in unwanted gifts.
Staff members at one of the local malls say they are hoping to see a larger than normal turnout Monday since many businesses are still observing the holiday that day and more people will have the day off.
