Shoppers hit CT mall to stock up on post-holiday deals

Torrington’s Jeanette Richard and her sister-in-law Linda have shopped at Westfarms mall for the last 40 years on the day after Christmas and found that their arms got tired carrying around all the shopping bags. This year they used a cart to roll their bags from store to store.

The cart belongs to their friend Dianne Schaller, also of Torrington, who was happy to join in on the shopping tradition for the first time.

“We always come the day after Christmas to get a lot of bargains,” Jeanette Richard said. “Last year we didn’t have a cart, and our arms were killing us. So, I mentioned it to my friend and she said, ‘I have a cart,’ and I said why don’t you come with us. We went out once to the car already. We are going to load up a second time and then we are going to it again.”

Jeanette Richard was proud to show off the bargains she picked up in a variety of stores including stocking stuffers for next Christmas, discounted towels, Christmas cards, hand soap and hot chocolate.

“It’s become a girl thing, and we have a nice lunch at Red Robin across the street,” Jeanette Richard said.

The three women were just a few of many shoppers flooding Westfarms on Thursday. Westfarms spokesperson Amanda Sirica said the discounted prices and shoppers using gift cards are among the attractions.

“It’s a day after Christmas and Hannukah. It’s a big day to take advantage of those post-Christmas sales and some returns,” Sirica said. “At the end of the day, it’s an opportunity to bring everyone back in and take advantage of those sales. With the shortened window between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers had to have all of those sales.

“Gift card redemption is a big thing (Thursday) and to come back in and take advantage of those post-holiday sales,” Sirica added. “It’s OK to think of yourself today. You’ve done the gift-giving for the holidays.”

Westfarms, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, features more than 160 shops and is located in the towns of Farmington and West Hartford.

“Post-holiday week is an important one for our retailers,” Sirica said. “This has been a really healthy season for our retailers. They are reporting strong numbers.”

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

According to the Associated Press, holiday sales increased 3.8% this year from the beginning of November to Christmas Eve despite higher prices.

The National Retail Federation expects that shoppers will have made $979 billion to $989 billion worth of purchases in November and December, AP said.

Clothing sales rose 3.6% with most of the growth fueled by online shopping, according to AP. The report added that sales at grocery stores, clothing shops and restaurants fell. Outside of car dealerships and online retailers, sales gains were modest, AP said.

Rocky Hill residents and friends Kim Fernstrom and Lisa Fiducia were just finishing their shopping late Thursday morning with a few bags in their hands.

Fernstrom was shopping for her sister and daughter. Fiducia picked up a few items for herself.

“No returning today we are just purchasing, and we do it every year,” Fernstrom said. “We started about 20 years ago and there is our day to go out and shop together. … We get our coffee and then we go to the mall.”

The two stopped in Lululemon, Macy’s and Bath & Body Works among other stores.

Bloomfield’s Rayissa Armata and her 12-year-old daughter Sienna were doing some shopping and exchanging some shoes for size on Thursday.

“Typically, we are here the day after Christmas. It’s a way to get things in and out of the house and making sure everyone got what they wanted and they get to enjoy their presents,” Rayissa Armata said.

Originally Published: December 26, 2024 at 3:58 PM EST