Products enticing our state to spend

SOUND systems, dresses, handbags and cosmetics were among the most sought-after bargains during Queensland’s Boxing Day sales which saw shoppers queue for hours to splash a record breaking $441 million across the state.

The National Retail Association forecast Australians would spend $2.62 billion across the country, including Queensland’s $441 million – a 5 per cent boost on last year’s spend across the state. Online shoppers in Queensland were also forecast to spend around $111 million.

National Retail Association chief executive Dominique Lamb said Boxing Day looked set to be record-breaking, with popular items being manchester, footwear and cosmetics.

“Boxing Day is one of the biggest days on the Australian shopping calendar,” Ms Lamb said.

“The NRA forecasts that Aussie shoppers will splash more than $2.6 billion in cash nationwide, eclipsing all previous Boxing Day sales records.”

Myer executive general manager of stores Tony Sutton said more than 2 million customers were expected to visit a Myer store yesterday.

“We have seen big crowds lining up from midnight last night … customers really enjoyed the Golden Ticket gift cards and prizes that we had running at both stores, as well as the entertainment and free coffee,” he said yesterday.

“Our cosmetics floors are very busy, as well as menswear, with customers really responding to the promotions on offer.

“Top sellers across the Myer sale are women’s dresses and shoes, men’s business shirts, cookware and towels.”

The retail giant sold 20 business shirts a minute yesterday, Mr Sutton said.

Savvy Queensland shopper Ella Mulcahy, 16, spent the morning scouring the stores for a dress in preparation for her formal next year.

Ms Mulcahy shopped with her family, braving the long fitting room queues in the hunt for the perfect dress.