The present buying might be over, but that doesn’t mean the spending has stopped.

Many department stores are advertising big sales for the day to try to keep customers coming back.

John Maxson, with the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, says today is traditionally known for shoppers to return unwanted gifts.

“Frankly, we’re happy to see that because people seldom bring something back and then walk out of the store with the exchange,” Maxson says. “They almost always buy something else and that phenomena, of course, is friendly to the stores.”

Maxson says a lot of the high-end stores on Michigan Avenue have been doing well this holiday season, while sales at middle-end stores, such as the Gap and Eddie Bauer, have been disappointing.

He also says hotels and restaurants on the Magnificent Mile are reporting a record year.

Maxson attributes that to new attractions at Chicago’s museums and parks.