The malls were packed this weekend as shoppers returned unwanted gifts and took advantage of post-Christmas sales.

"It was busy, it was really busy today," said Muhammad Haider, of Edison, who was one of the many shoppers at the Menlo Park Mall making returns, exchanges, and taking advantage of the post-Christmas deals.

"I came to buy some stuff because there was a good sale, I heard, there was an after-Christmas sale, that's why I came to buy some shirts and pants," Haider said.

The parking lot at the Menlo Park Mall was relatively full Sunday evening, not unlike that just before the Christmas holiday, when despite the pandemic, customers flocked to the stores. But this year the shopping experience was unlike any other, with customers wearing masks and social distancing.

"Inside the stores, and in different kind of stores, like talk about Macy's, talk about Old Navy and stuff, they had a good precaution for people to take care of the distance," Haider said.

Danish Hassan, also of Edison, came to the mall with his brother-in-law and said the place was packed, but that didn't shock him.

"People tend to get frustrated after a period of time," Hassan said. "So not really surprised, and it's Christmas weekend."

Still, Haider said it's important to remember to wear a mask and social distance.

"We see a lot of people getting infected, we see a lot of deaths, we see a lot of hospitals packed. We have to be cautious, we have to take care of ourselves," Haider added.