AIKEN, S.C. - Many stores are posting big bargains to make up for slow Christmas sales, but for the real bargains store employees say it may be best to wait.

"Sales are pretty good, I'm finding a lot of bargains," said Anita Williams.

She says she's looking for bargains wherever she can find them and they seem better than ever.

"A lot better. I've been able to pick out things without scrambling through little piles of things," she said.

Target Manager Joey Bailey says the sales are big, after a slower than usual holiday season.

"A lot of people were cutting down on the number of items they buy, swapping names," Bailey said.

He says things have picked up this weekend and Target is as busy as ever, but if you're hunting for a big bargain it might be best to wait.

Bailey says prices will go down further, but so will the selection.

Atlanta bargain expert, Clark Howard, says it's worth that risk. He says expect fire sales starting January 5th.

Williams has that in mind, she says she's going to keep shopping.

"As the days progress, I'm sure the sales are going to go down," Williams said.

While Aiken's Target tells NBC Augusta this weekend is better than usual, that's not the case nationwide.

Researcher NPD Group reported sales yesterday dropped 19 percent from last year, but they say that could mean better bargains in the coming weeks.