Tri-State Area Shoppers Return Gifts, Take Advantage Of Post-Christmas Sales

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Christmas has come and gone, but the holiday shopping season isn't over just yet.

Shoppers headed back to malls and stores across the region on Saturday to return unwanted gifts and take advantage of post-Christmas bargains.

At the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington, Tatyana had a smile on her face as she made a b-line for Christmas bargains, credit card in hand.

"Nothing in particular, but a lot of the stores have like, 15 - 50 percent off of things so if I find something I'm grabbing it," she told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.

But was she searching for something that was not left in her stocking?

"I have to say I was very good this year, Santa was very generous, but I'm still looking for stuff anyway," she said.

As far as shopping for others this year, Tatyana said she did pretty good on that front too.

"I got everything I needed ahead of time so I'm not dealing with the crazy lines," she said.

Web Extra: Best New Year's Day Sales In NYC

Meanwhile over at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City, many shoppers were walking into stores, bags in hand, ready to return gifts -- most for the same reason, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported.

"I got some clothing that it didn't fit me right," said one man.

"Too small," said one woman.

"The wrong size," another shopper said.

If you're one of those returning a gift this year, don't feel bad. The National Retail Federation said 15 percent of all holiday gifts get sent back.

Many leading retailers will allow holiday returns through mid- or late-January, Stern reported. And if you exchange a gift, there's always this advantage: "They've got sales. Cause you know, after Christmas, they've got sales," one shopper said.