Holiday shopping season sees boost with day after Christmas

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Retailers are cashing in their Christmas present this year on the 26th of December.

According to Mastercard, sales for this year's holiday shopping season are predicted to boost 5.5 percent from last year.

On Friday, customers kept that going by hitting stores early looking for the best deals.

"Can't beat it - good weather, sales, saving money," said Eber Divine, East Falls.

In Center City, the warm weather gave another boost to retailers with more foot traffic.

"It's very packed - it's amazing today - much more than whole holiday. I wonder why - blue skies," said Julie Hirsch Waxman, Center City.

The price slashes at major retailers filled the Cherry Hill Mall.

This was the day people used to line up to return and exchange but things seem to be changing.

"The 26th of December has become one of the busiest shopping days. There was a time years ago it was dedicated for returns now it's become an active day for shoppers," said Bob Wahlquist, Sr. Regional Manager for PREIT.

Delilah Giddings is a perfect example of how the day after Christmas shopping routine has shifted.

"I got some toys for the boys - a scooter, a nice cuddly doggie for my daughter. You know how it is, I'm a working mom so I got to get everything when I can get it," said Giddings.

However traditions die hard and there are still shoppers who got to the mall as early as they could to bring back what they opened under the tree.

"We didn't want to deal with people," said Sara Krueger, Voorhees.

"Or the crowds - we figured get out early and with a lot of returns, get in, get out," said Ryan Merola, Collingswood.