A winter storm threat did not deter shoppers from redeeming gift cards and finding sales the day after Christmas.
By 10 a.m., Target shopping carts were filled with wrapping paper and other festive items.
Lori Ross pushed her cart through the crowded holiday section.
"I am replacing ornaments and things that have not survived the holiday," she joked.
The electronic and holiday sections are Target's most popular sections the day after Christmas, said Nick Musto, executive team leader for the past seven years.
Using gift cards seemed to be a priority among shoppers Wednesday. In November, the National Retail Federation projected that total gift card spending would reach $28.79 billion, an increase from $27.8 billion the previous year.
MacKenzie Warren said the sales she found last year on a coin counter and grill set prompted her to return to Target. She browsed the electronic section, looking to use her Target gift card.
Keith Robbins shopped for electronics at the Viewmont Mall, which opened at 8 a.m. He held a copy of NCAA Football '10 and sifted through used PlayStation 3 games, eager to use his GameStop gift cards.
Throughout the Viewmont Mall were large signs that displayed enticing sales. Bath & Body Works advertised 75 percent off select items, while Gap advertised an additional 50 percent off mark-downs.
Wendy Peckins said she went to Bath & Body Works looking for a specific scent, but could not resist the entire sale. She said she has been shopping the day after Christmas for the past 10 to 15 years.
Next door in Gap, Laura Kingston looked through a rack of pastel pants, choosing a light pink pair. She said she shops the day after Christmas every year with her aunt and grandma.
"You can't beat it," she said of the reduced prices.
Old Navy drew in customers with its 75 percent off sale. Leighan Noakes picked out three shirts and a pair of jeans. She said she does not usually shop the day after Christmas, but she saw a post on Old Navy's Facebook page advertising the sale. She brought her two gift cards to check out the deals.
Contact the writer: shazen@timesshamrock.com