Mega Monday sales expected to top $469 billion

There was very little rest for the weary shopper Monday. Some signs at stores read "50% Off," while others read "Buy One, Get One for $9.99."  Millions of deal-seekers were out on the prowl, looking for the best post-Christmas sale.

For some theheavy lifting is as part of the season as Christmas itself.

"We are shopping for sweaters and boots," said shopper Kelly Rogers.  "We always come here, it is tradition.  We got here a little late this year, 7 o'clock."

For others it was the thrill of the hunt.

"Anything for shopping," said Baylee Johnson.

Experts said day after Christmas sales could break the bank.  Millions of Americans put shopping on hold until Dec. 26, because of the economy.  

Foot traffic is expected to be up 60 percent because the 26th falls on a weekday.  The National Retail Federation expects a 3.8 percent increase in holiday sales this year. Sales are expected to reach a record $469.1 billion.

For retail employees, like Christine Freitag at JC Penney at the Castleton Square Mall, it is like Black Friday all over again.

"We try to do the best that we can with our four walls to make sure the customer gets a great experience," said Freitag.

Freitag said the biggest difference between Black Friday and what's been dubbed "Mega Monday," are the returns.  

"The funny ones are the when the wife comes in with something that she got that gets plugged in.  She really did not want anything with a cord," said Freitag.  "She wanted a little something different, we direct all of those customers to our fine jewelry department."