Baskets of gift returns grow larger by the minute as customers cash in on the biggest gift return day of the year, the day after Christmas.
Target managers said they've had nearly the same number of holiday shoppers this year as last year, but the National Retail Federation predicts a 2.2 percent gain in store sales this shopping season. That's the lowest sales growth in six years.
According to SpendingPulse clothing sales are down 21 percent, electronic purchases are down 26 percent and luxury items like jewelry and boats dropped 34 percent over the last year.
Retailers across the country hoped the day after Christmas would be like a second black Friday. Leah Banks with Build-A-Bear said that has not been the case at her store.
The line at Build-A-Bear has been growing since noon and stretching all the way out the door. Maria Rios said traffic is heavier now than it was before Christmas.
You can't tell from the lines, but Banks with Build-A-Bear says overall things are a little slower this year. However she said her store has been steady and has met all its goals.
Retailers hope those cashing in gift cards and cash will stick around to make a few extra purchases.
This is only the beginning of the return season. Retailers said expect sales from gift cards to continue trickling in from now thru early March.
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