Walmart is introducing a novel concept that would help consumers who got gift cards use these Christmas presents rather than expire because it is in stores they don't normally patronize.

The world's largest retailer is accepting swap of up to 200 gift cards for a Walmart card which they can use to buy items at the store. After all, which American consumer doesn't shop at Walmart?

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The promo begins December 25 on a pilot basis, reports KGUN9. If the experiment becomes successful, it would become permanent, said Walmart spokesman Ravi Jariwala.

In the process, Walmart earns two ways - first by giving the swapped card from other retailers up to 97 percent its value, and second by making the card holder shop at Walmart.

To swap the gift card from other stores, go to walmart.cardcash.com and enter the gift card information and personal information as well as credit card information which is only to verify billing address. Then wait for the email from Walmart within 60 minutes.

Up to $1 billion worth of gift cards are not redeemed yearly for various reasons such as not shopping at a particular retailer or the gift was forgotten by the recipient.

However, in the case of unwanted Christmas presents, that's what Boxing Day is for - to return those items to stores and exchange them for something you really need or want.

But fraud, which cost the retail industry $3.8 billion, happens, according to a recent survey of 60 merchant loss-prevention executives conducted by the National Retail Federation, according to 7SANDIEGO.

To avert abuse of Boxing Day, many stores are now asking for identification documents and have placed limit on the number of days items could be returned or traded.

TagsWalmart, gift cards, boxing day