Shoppers swarm to bag bargains at Boxing Day sales

of Queensland shoppers descended on retail centres on Sunday with more than $3bn expected to have been spent nationwide.

The Sunshine State’s sales were forecast to reach $4,229 million in the days after Christmas, according to the Australian Retailers Association and

Roy Morgan.

ARA Chief Executive Paul Zahra said strong interest in Boxing Day sales remained despite the ongoing Covid threat.

“We’re forecasting a record $21.1 billion will be spent in the post-Christmas sales (Boxing Day to January 15),” Mr Zahra said. “Sales are set to remain strong despite the ongoing threat of Omicron, with retailers remaining alert but not alarmed.”

He said sales could be seen across the board from fashion to homewares and electronics.

“While people have been purchasing gifts for others in the lead up to Christmas, the Boxing Day sales are traditionally a time when people purchase things for themselves or their homes,” he said.

“Like the Boxing Day Test, comfortable shoes and remaining hydrated are key to a successful outing. For those who want to escape the crowds, a good alternative is to shop from the comfort of your own lounge room – on your laptop or mobile phone.”

Research from PayPal showed 49 per cent of shoppers preferred to do their Boxing Day shopping online, compared to 51 per cent who liked to shop in store. PayPal shopping expert Rob Bates said particularly younger generations preferred online.

“While some Australians are returning to stores in search of the best deals, avoiding the rush and stress of hitting the stores physically is a priority for many Aussies,” he said.

DFO Cairns centre manager Mark Farquhar said the complex opened at 9am – 90 minutes earlier than normal on a public holiday – with some outlets offering up to 70 per cent discounts.

“By midday we were bursting at the seams in what has been a huge month for DFO Cairns with visitors to the centre up 8 per cent and 11 per cent for the past week, with new tenants such as Supre, Typo and Factorie welcome additions,” Mr Farquhar said.