‘Twas the day after Christmas at University Park Mall [Video]

MISHAWAKA, Ind.– People are feeling the strain on their wallets, that’s why sales and gift cards are in demand this year. The day after Christmas is the perfect opportunity to spend those gift cards and snag those sales.

It’s been a record-breaking year for Simon Malls, according to Christian Carlson, area director of marketing and business development. Through Black Friday weekend, he said, mall sales were up 7.1 percent across the country.

“Based on what we saw here, I’d say we were probably in line with that,” Carlson said.

Thursday was busy at University Park (UP) Mall.

“We had lines at several stores when we opened at 10, ready for the sales that they’re kicking off, Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Lululemon, some of the big popular stores,” Carlson said. “But also, lot of families here with lists, like what did you not get for Christmas, what are you trying to get on sale, what do you …