Stores have already started to announce post-Christmas deals to lure shoppers eager to use up their newly received gift cards.
J.C. Penney will open at 5 a.m. Dec. 26, the earliest it has ever opened that day. More than 100 items will be on sale until 1 p.m. And the company will offer coupons such as $10 off a $50 purchase or $15 off a $75 purchase, good for use both online and in store between Saturday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Dec. 28.
The department-store operator, based in Plano, Texas, will have all new merchandise in its teen department, because teens typically head to the mall after Christmas to spend cash gifts and gift cards.
Walmart will offer deals each day from Dec. 26 to New Year's Day. It will give out a $50 Walmart gift card with an Xbox 360 purchase, offer an eMachine netbook for $228 and offer some home holiday items and toys at up to 50 percent off.
It will also extend previously announced holiday deals including some Blu-ray movies for under $20.