Post-Christmas shopping at Tanger Outlets in North Charleston, South Carolina, remains busy with crowds seeking deals, exchanges, and gift card redemptions despite the holiday’s end.​
Crowd Observations
Shoppers like Leo Volker expressed surprise at the high turnout the day after Christmas, attributing it to people staying home less and heading out for bargains. Tanger Charleston marketing director Andrea Gervacio confirmed strong traffic and sales, with stores well-prepared for the influx.​
Retail Spending Trends
U.S. holiday retail spending increased over 4% this season, aligning with reports like Visa’s data showing a 4.2% rise driven by tech, apparel, and e-commerce growth up 7.8%. The National Retail Federation forecasted total holiday sales exceeding $1 trillion for the first time, up 3.7% to 4.2% from 2024.​
Gift Card Surge
Mastercard predicted higher gift card usage due to rising prices, tariffs, and recipient choice flexibility, with consumers favoring them as budget-friendly options. Shoppers such as Kevin Williams, Simon Halberda, and others are redeeming cards over exchanges, a trend Gervacio noted as prominent this period.​
Return Policies
Stores at Tanger Outlets offer flexibility for returns, accepting items with tags, receipts, or as gifts during this timeframe—Gervacio recommends checking specifics per retailer.​
