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Don't feel bad -- it just didn't fit Photo by Andy Atkinson Target employee Betty Baines helps Lee Furgesson of Medford return some shoes at the Medford Target store Saturday. The store had several cash registers set up just to take returns. Folks cheerfully return Christmas gifts the next day By KATHY MORGAN Ever wonder what people really think about that Christmas gift you gave them? The Mail Tribune decided to eavesdrop on some local folks as they return those presents you so carefully and meticulously selected. It's the day after Christmas. A whole section of Medford's Target store has been partitioned off to assist those returning merchandise. Arrows guide them through a maze of ropes leading to the five tables, three cash registers, eight sales associates and nine red baskets filled with rejected items. And there's no shortage of people unhappy with their gifts. Are these are the same people who oohed and ahhed over the ceramic head you gave them Christmas Eve? You know, the one that grows grass out of its ears? Could they be the same ones who sang with joy when you presented them with the clock that chirps 12 different bird calls on the hour? Could be. But today they're singing a different tune. They're returning gifts that didn't quite make it. "Before Christmas, I took out the catalogue," says Monica Lindbloom of Medford. "I told my husband: `This is what I want. You don't have to get it from the catalogue, just take the pictures to the store with you."' Foolproof? Well, not quite. She wanted a straight black skirt. "I got a crinkly, navy blue one with white flowers on it." She asked for a V-neck sweater. "He bought me a white blouse. I don't know how he did it, but he didn't get anything I asked for." Chris Parish of Medford also stands in the return line. The Medford teen is exchanging a pair of earphones. "They weren't loud enough," he says. "I want ones that play louder. I have big ears. I like to listen to the music really loud. High volume." "Next," the sales associate says. "Next." Finally, he hears her, and the exchange takes place. Another teen also is in the line. "I'm taking back a sweater I didn't need," says 16-year-old Brooke Ward of Grants Pass. "Then I'm taking back some clothes I didn't need to JC Penney. Then I have some other stuff to return that I don't need." She's exchanging the gifts for something she can really use: money. "I need money. I really need money." Maybe she should try the bank. More people crowd into the return area, toting their rejected favors. Barney slippers slide onto the return desk, followed by VCRs, yellow boots, cologne, dimpled dolls, walkie talkies, TV trays, videos and watches. Money refunds, merchandise vouchers and exchanges flow smoothly along. "We did a lot of informing when we sold the merchandise," says Andrea Anderson, a Target associate. "We gave customers receipt envelopes and let them know to hold on to those receipts. So far, things are going really well." "I couldn't believe how fast I got through," says Lindbloom. "It was great." The multitude nods in agreement. But why are so many people returning things? Do gift-givers have such poor taste? "Basically the main reason for returns is that something is the wrong size or it's defective," Anderson says. "You shouldn't feel badly if someone returns a gift you gave." Unless you're Dora Hansen's hubby, Harold. That Roseburg resident may be in a bit of trouble. "Look at this," Dora said, holding up a pair of black, bikini underpants and a matching under-wire bra. "I'm 58. Harold is dreaming. What is he thinking?" He also got her the wrong size. "For that, I love him," she said. "He almost makes me feel petite. And for this old gal, that's a pretty darn nice gift." Now that's what you call a happy return. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA