Photo by Joselyn King Lynah Stanley, left, and Shauntel Saunders, employees at Nini’s Treasures at The Highlands, show off dresses at the shop ideal for New Year’s Eve festivities.

Since the weather outside wasn’t frightful on Monday, shoppers flocked to The Highlands in search of post-Christmas deals — and perhaps a little family bonding.

Employees at businesses at The Highlands reported brisk business on Monday, with many shoppers turning out to use the holiday gift cards they received as presents on Christmas Day. Other shoppers were seeking to return the gifts they opened.

Either way, shoppers were seeking out the items they had wanted before Christmas, and they were hoping to find them at reduced prices.

A post-Christmas trek to retail centers also gave some families time to bond.

Three generations of one local family were spotted at Cabela’s purchasing supplies for an afternoon of fun.

Wheeling businessman David H. McKinley was out with his son, David, and father, U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley, R-W.Va.

The youngest David McKinley received his first .22-caliber rifle for Christmas, his father said.

“We’re just out enjoying the day, and planning to do some target shooting this afternoon,” David H. McKinley said.

The McKinleys were heading to the Lewis Wetzel Rifle and Pistol Club in Triadelphia.

A tour group from Wayne and Holmes counties in Ohio also was among the many inside the Cabela’s store.

Lisa Hilty explained the trip was a Christmas present from her husband Melvin’s employer, Holmes Stairs in Holmesville, Ohio. Following stops at The Highlands, the group was heading to take in the Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park in the evening.

Accompanying the Hiltys on the trip were their seven children.

Nini’s Treasures at The Highlands also reported strong business on Monday morning, and many of the customers were using gift cards, according to employee Shauntel Saunders. She also attributed much of the traffic in the store to a sale on Pandora bracelets happening at the store.