Christmas gifts return to NJ mall, spurring sales and discounts for shoppers

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (PIX11) -- There's giving, and then there's returning.

Tom Spivack from Hackettstown spent his morning at Bridgewater Commons for a mulligan on a few Christmas gifts for his wife.

"Of course, I got in trouble because I got the wrong sizes," said Spivack.

The day after Christmas is a day the retail world braces for returns. But many stores are luring customers in with big sales, and many are taking the day to treat themselves.

"Spend time with my family and go shopping because I got a $100 bill," said 9-year-old Addison Spargo.

"I got a Sephora gift card," said Jen Kern. "I don't have any other gift cards, so I'll just be using my credit cards."

Even Kris Kringle himself spent the day shopping. But he's not too big on gift cards.

"I actually have 7-year-old children asking me when they come to visit, 'What do you want?' 'a gift card.' I throw them out," joked Santa Claus. "I say, 'No, I don't do that.'"

But he is really the Santa Claus who's called Bridgewater Commons his second home for the last five years, taking countless pictures with kids young and old. He loves to see his mall filled even after his big day.

"It's a wonderful community," said Santa.