Boxing Day may not be formally celebrated in the United States, but that doesn’t stop the shops from doing their post-Christmas sales.

I was able to go into Baby Gap and pick up some (RED) items for my lil’ chop at 75% off. Long sleeved onesies that were normally $20 were marked down to $4.99. They had all of their winter items rediculously marked down. I asked the store manager if Gap will still contribute the full amount to the Global Fund, and she was unable to answer that question. She did say that the spring arrivals were coming soon and they needed to liquidate their winter inventory, so if that meant that Gap needed to write off the remaining (RED) inventory, then so be it.

Hallmark had their (RED) cards, wrapping paper and ornaments 40% off. The manager there also did not know if Hallmark would contribute the full amount to the Global Fund even if it meant that Hallmark would be taking a greater loss on the product.

As a consumer, I felt quite conflicted - here I am trying to support what (RED) is doing, and the sale prices were very attractive to say the least. However, knowing that perhaps less would be going to the Global Fund, it left me feeling a bit sad that my need to save a buck or two may deprive those in need of the medication or the bed nets. It was the first time that this thrifty shopper actually felt bad about the sales.