Its kind of a pain: Long lines to return items across the Cape Fear area days after Christmas [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – If you have any returns you need to make after the holidays, you’re not alone.

A National Retail Federation study found that for the 2024 winter holidays, retailers expect their return rate to be 17% higher on average.

A lot of the reason — Americans spent so much more in general on a lot of gifts this year. Despite higher costs, holiday sales increased 3.8%.

They especially spent more online. Americans spent a record-breaking $281 billion dollars through online shopping. With it being difficult to tell sizing and colors online, many shoppers are hoping for the best, pressing “add to cart” and then returning the items at a later time.

At Mayfaire Town Center Friday, just two days after Christmas, many shoppers were faced with long lines.

“There’s been so many people,” Corinne Keister said. “Earlier, probably around like 12 or 1:30, it was so busy we couldn’t even walk.”

Corinne …