LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The day after Christmas has shoppers in Las Vegas flocking to the stores to cash in gift cards and make returns. Analysts predict sales will be up this year but some retailers aren't so sure. Shoppers lined up as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday at the Old Navy in Town Square to score bargains.
"I think these are some pretty good deals," said Sarah Nelson, who lives in Pahrump. "Normally throughout the store they're almost double these prices."
"There's tons of great sales in here," said Susan Wolfe, who lives in Las Vegas. "Sweaters that are $30 for six. I'm loading up for my school wear."
Teacher Susan Wolfe got gift cards from her students for Christmas. She said she saved about a hundred dollars by taking advantage of post-holiday discounts.
"Because of the economy we spent less this year," said Wolfe. "Just because we were one of those people who went through a short sale on our house."
Despite long lines the day after Christmas, the Old Navy store manager said so far sales are comparable to last year's.
"We are so competitive nowadays we are competing with internet sales," said Old Navy Store Manager Yelena Hamai. "It's not what retailers used to have to do but now there's so many options out there."
The National Retail Federation estimates holiday cash registers will ring up 4 percent more in sales than last year. However, a report released by Mastercard suggests that sales growth during the holiday season was less than expected.
"For us, once Christmas is over things just slow down," said Tiffany Nguyen, owner of Tiffany's Boutique.
Nguyen admits sales were good right before Christmas but not as good after. She's hoping it will turn around with New Year's around the corner.
"We do see that we do pick up slowly," said Nguyen. "I wouldn't see that we are doing very good. It's because of the economy and people don't spend as much as they used to."
Wednesday is the last day for extended hours for many stores for the holiday push. The Old Navy in Town Square will be open Wednesday until 11 p.m. and will go back to normal hours Thursday.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
