December 29, 2014 at 5:07 p.m.
Shoppers hit local stores for day after Christmas returns and exchanges
Shoppers hit local stores for day after Christmas returns and exchanges
National reports indicated last-minute shopping was down from projected totals this year. Experts credited the continued growth of online sales through websites of both traditional retail outlets and places like Amazon.com for the change. That might not be the only effect online growth has meant though. It could also mean fewer returns.
While stores across the country are traditionally packed with shoppers eager to return or exchange gifts on Dec. 26, most of the popular retail locations in Rhinelander were relatively quiet Friday.
There were some shoppers out and about though, looking to return or exchange Christmas gifts. Jodi Thompson, a resident of Racine in town visiting family, was shopping at Kohl's Friday morning. She said it was important for her to get everything done before she headed home.
"We live out of town, so we had to get the exchanging done right away," she said. "We don't have too much to do, but I do need to exchange some clothes."
Holly Heller of Rhinelander was making some exchanges at Kohl's as well. She said she prefers to take care of her returns and exchanges right away.
"I'm just returning some clothes that didn't fit quite right," she said. "I'll pick something else out while I'm here."
Thom Kemp of Tomahawk made his way to Walmart Friday afternoon to exchange a gift he made in error.
"I guess I got the wrong video game for my kid, so I'm exchanging it," he said. "I had him write down the right name, so I know which one to get now."
It wasn't all about returns though. Many of the shoppers said they were thrilled with the vast majority of the gifts they received over the holiday.
Chris Haggerty of Wausau said his family received a rather unique gift that they loved.
"My kids pitched in and got my wife a popcorn maker, kind of like you'd see at a movie theater," he said. "We thought that was pretty cool."
Thompson said her favorite gift of the year was something a little more traditional.
"Probably the coolest gift in my family this year was a flat screen (television) we got my husband," she said. "He was pretty excited."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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