Jeanette Richard of Torrington and her sister-in-law Linda have been shopping at Westfarms Mall the day after Christmas for 40 years and find that their arms get tired from lugging around all the shopping bags. This year they used a cart to roll their bags from store to store.

The cart belongs to her friend Dianne Schaller, also of Torrington, who was happy to take part in the shopping tradition for the first time.

“We always come the day after Christmas to find lots of bargains,” said Jeanette Richard. “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 shopping cart,” and I said, why don’t you come with me? We already went out to the car once. We’ll charge a second time and then we’ll start again.”

Jeanette Richard was proud to show off the bargains she had picked up at various stores, including Christmas gifts 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 some of the many shoppers who flooded West Farms on Thursday. Westfarms spokeswoman Amanda Sirica said the discounted prices and use of gift cards for shoppers is one of the attractions.

“It’s a day after Christmas and Hanukkah. “It’s a big day to take advantage of the post-Christmas sales and some returns,” Sirica said. “Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to re-engage everyone and benefit from these sales. Because the window between Thanksgiving and Christmas was shortened, retailers had to make all of those sales.

“Gift card redemption is a big deal (Thursday) and coming back and taking advantage of the post-holiday sales is a big deal,” Sirica added. “It’s okay to think about yourself today. You’ve done the holiday gift-giving.”

Westfarms, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, has more than 160 stores and is located in the cities of Farmington and West Hartford.

“The week following the holidays is important for our retailers,” Sirica said. “This has been a really healthy season for our retailers. They are reporting strong numbers.”

Christmas shoppers increased their spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

This year, holiday sales rose 3.8% from early November through Christmas Eve despite higher prices, according to the Associated Press.

The National Retail Federation estimates shoppers made $979 billion to $989 billion in purchases in November and December, AP said.

According to the AP, apparel sales rose 3.6%, with most of the growth coming from online purchases. The report added that sales fell at grocery stores, clothing stores and restaurants. Outside car dealerships and online retailers, sales increases were modest, AP said.

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

Fernstrom was shopping for her sister and daughter. Fiducia got a few things for herself.

“Today there are no returns, we just shop, and we do that every year,” Fernstrom said. “We started about 20 years ago and today is our day when we go out and shop together. … We’ll get our coffee and then we’ll go to the mall.”

The two visited Lululemon, Macy’s and Bath & Body Works, among others.

Rayissa Armata of Bloomfield and her 12-year-old daughter Sienna were shopping Thursday and exchanged some shoes for sizes.

“We are usually here the day after Christmas. It’s a way to bring things in and out of the house and make sure everyone gets what they want and can enjoy their gifts,” said Rayissa Armata.

Originally published: December 26, 2024 at 3:58 pm EST