Hustle and bustle of season not over yet

Just as the day after Thanksgiving is the traditional start of Christmas shopping, Dec. 26 marks the day when unsatisfied recipients of what you thought was the perfect gift scurry about the malls to return or exchange it. These tips from local merchants can make the difference between happiness and headaches.

According to Steve Dye, director of marketing for Dillard's Phoenix division, the best thing a customer can do to ensure a hassle-free return is to leave the tags on the item.

"People should find an unobtrusive spot (on the item) and leave the tags on," Dye said.

Dillard's takes returns up to 30 days after purchase with a receipt or proof of purchase label, and will give a full refund in the tender paid. To make returns easier, Dillard's a year ago instituted a POP - or proof of purchase - bar code, which is affixed to each item as it is purchased. The transaction is then recorded in the company's computers, which means that customers without receipts will be able to make the return.

"It's a wonderful thing," said Dye. ""There's no question it makes returns more convenient."

Dillard's will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day after Christmas, and every open register will be able to take returns. As far as heavy customer traffic goes, Dye said most shoppers hit the stores the day after Christmas with a "sooner the better" mentality, so they'll have a wider selection of merchandise from which to find a replacement. "It's a huge day," he added.

The Spiegel Outlet at Belz Outlet Mall has not seen such an after-Christmas rush in recent years. According to assistant store manager Mary Tomaino, this is because of the large tourist base of customers to the mall. And since the store also accepts holiday returns through Jan. 31, customers have more leeway for returning items.

Tomaino echoes Dye's suggestion for returning items. "Make sure all the tags that came with it are there," she said.

Spiegel accepts returns up to 30 days after the date of purchase with the receipt and a valid form of ID, with the exception of the holiday returns. Customers with gift receipts will receive a merchandise credit for the amount that was paid for the item. The store does not accept catalog returns. Spiegel will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day after Christmas.

If you're heading to the malls Dec. 26, check out this list of hours:

The casino shops will be open their normal hours of 10 a.m. - midnight for Desert Passage at the Aladdin and Via Bellagio; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Forum Shops at Caesars, Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian and Le Boulevard at Paris.

But those making returns won't be the only ones out Dec. 26. Bargain-hunters will be rummaging through discount and department stores alike for markdowns up to 50 percent, sometimes more, for holiday merchandise. Our best bets:

And don't forget about the holiday section of department stores such as Robinson's May, Macy's and Sears. In addition to nativity sets, ornaments, and musical figurines, look for markdowns on makeup and perfume gift sets, slipper socks, holiday ties and home accents.

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