Returns, deals on tap for today

It’s all about the deals today as scores of shoppers hit the avenues for those after-Christmas sales and return their not-so-loved gift items.

The Alabama Retail Association expects the 2015 taxed holiday sales could reach $11 billion – an increase of an average of 4.38 percent growth over the month last year.

If these predictions hold true, Alabama’s holiday growth rate is expected to exceed the national average.

The National Retail Federation expects retailers nationwide will see a 3.7 percent increase in spending during November and December.

Today, area retailers will begin their after-Christmas markdowns – a move that is sure to help make ARA’s prediction a reality.

Pink Peppers will open at 10 a.m. today; Walmart opens at 6 a.m.; Burke’s, AT&T, and JCPenney will open at 9 a.m.; Goody’s and CVS will open at 8 a.m., and Rite Aid and Winn-Dixie will open at 7 a.m.