Post-holiday shopping is underway in Watertown

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Christmas has come and gone, but the holiday shopping season isn’t over.

At Target, carts are full, and post-Christmas shopping is well underway.

Chris Wayte took his daughter Kinsley there to make use of a gift card Santa got her.

“Whatever she thinks I need to get her from Santa Claus I guess. That’d be about it,” said Wayte.

“Probably a little American Girl Doll bunny,” said Kinsley Wayte.

Gift card shopping was a popular way to spend the day. Alanah Gahagen hit the store alongside her three kids and left with a packed vehicle.

“I Enjoy it. I enjoy watching them shop. I enjoy watching them spend their money and get everything they didn’t get. That kind of thing,” said Gahagen.

“I got some clothes and stuff for ski camp,” said Ariana Pearson.

According to a USA Today report, Americans are expected to spend more than $300 billion in gift cards in 2024. With Christmas in the rearview mirror, many people are hunting for deals.

Holiday staples like bows and wrapping paper have seen major markdowns, and people are pouncing.

“Sometimes, yeah. When it’s discounted you get a decent enough price. Otherwise, you just go along with whatever your wife says,” said Joe Myer.

It’s a tactic Cathy Ebersol has employed over the past two decades: buying next year’s holiday necessities immediately after Christmas.

“Well, I can get some good deals. I can get some excellent paper and bows, anything that I might need for next year. Maybe even a new Christmas tree sometimes,” said Ebersol.

Christmas may be over, but after seeing all of this festive shopping at Target, it’s safe to say the holiday season hasn’t quite wrapped up.

Copyright 2024 WWNY. All rights reserved.