At a Wal-Mart in Tupelo, Mississippi, shoppers crowded around a section in the front of the store where Christmas items that were half off. Many had their shopping carts filled to the top, and it was only 7 a.m., reported Bizz Buzz, a Mississippi news blog.
"It's going to be a long day," one Wal-Mart employee told Bizz Buzz on Tuesday. "It's going to be a long week."
This is a glimpse into the beginning of a wave of after Christmas sales. After a disappointing holiday season marked by stores slashing prices only to have shoppers hold back for more discounts, retailers are giving one last round of holiday deals to lure customers in and close 2013 with a bang.
The National Retail Federation is still anticipating 2013 holiday sales will increase 3.9 percent, USA Today reported. Stores like Kohls and Target started online sales on Christmas Day. Other stores like Wal-Mart opened as early as 5 a.m. the day after Christmas.
"This is an especially big time for people who got gift cards to come and spend on what they didn't get for Christmas," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sarah McKinney told USA Today.
Target spokesman Antoine LaFromboise also said the day after Christmas is the most popular day to use gift cards, USA Today reported.
Target, which was just hit by a credit and debit card scam that affected 40 million customers, is expected to offer 40 percent off apparel and up to 50 percent off certain toys. LaFromboise told USA Today the discounts are not being offered because of the security breach.
Some retailers are offering customers more than just sales and discounts. Kmart will give its "Shop Your Way" members 50 cent discounts for each gallon of gas if they spend $25 or more on certain Proctor & Gamble items, USA Today reported.
More information on other retailers offering discounts here.
