After weeks of down holiday sales numbers, retailers are taking the day after Christmas to try to turn things around by slashing prices. It is a post-Christmas tradition that despite the sour economy, does not seem to be dying-- shopping the day after Christmas.

Retailers say they are glad to see the business pouring in as the holiday shopping season accounts for as much as 40 percent of annual profits for many stores.

Every where you look, clearance signs are going up.

“We got up bright and early this morning, before day light mind you, and we knew there were going to be some sales, but I didn't know there would be this good of sales,” shopper Francis Stone said.

It is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and this year, retailers are cutting prices even more to make up for the below average sales numbers they've seen over the last few weeks and it seems to be working, drawing in customers from around the region.

“We're out shopping for bargains,” shopper Connie Chandler said.

Some stores are even selling out of items.

“I figure there's some good deals in this paper and I’m going to snatch them up if they're still here,” Matthew Combs of Breathitt County said.

“Supposed to have good deals the day after Christmas. We were hoping to get some helicopters, but they're sold out. Kind of bummed,” shopper Zachary Garrett said.

But the stores aren't just staying busy with shoppers looking for big bargains, the customer service desk is staying busy with people making exchanges and returns.

“I'm exchanging some boots. They are the wrong size and also a shirt that's the wrong size,” Richard Vergne said.

“Returning two shirts that I got for Christmas that are too small, for two larger ones,” John Carl Begley said.

Retailers we spoke with say while it makes for a busy day, the business is certainly welcome.

Many stores are opening earlier, and closing later for the next few days. Folks we spoke with say it is shop till you drop and plan to hit the stores through the evening, and again Saturday.