Chasing bargains
BOXING DAY SALES DEAL HUNTERS’ EASY RUN
WE’RE FULLY VACCINATED. WE’RE NOT GOING TO LET COVID STOP US FROM DOING OUR THING.
THE biggest shopping day of the year had a slower than normal start as Boxing Day bargain hunters came out in a smaller numbers
Online shopping and the ongoing Covid crisis has been blamed for the fall in foot traffic by the nation’s peak retailer body.
National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb said Queensland shoppers were expected to spend a whopping $495m on Boxing Day – up six per cent on 2020 numbers. “It’s looking incredibly positive,” she said.
SUZANNE BOYLE
The traditional mad rushes at the opening of department stores and traffic chaos was missing at Pacific Fair on Sunday and instead replaced by smaller crowds.
Despite the threat of Omicron, only about half of the patrons at Queensland’s second-largest shopping centre were wearing masks while retail workers monitored shoppers who were using the Check-In Qld app.
Popular retailers such as Culture Kings and Peter Alexander were among the few stores that had lines snaking out the door.
Runaway Bay residents
Dylan Barter and Queenie Baker opted for some retail therapy after their hopes of a festive season holiday at home in New Zealand were dashed.
The fully vaccinated pair weren’t deterred by Covid.
“I like crowds, it’s a really good atmosphere,” Ms Baker said.
“I don’t really mind the foot traffic and lots of people.”
Mother-daughter duo Jess Adornato and Suzanne Boyle, who are seasoned Boxing Day shoppers, arrived at Pacific Fair by 6.30am, but were shocked at the lack of crowds.
“It’s definitely quieter. Last year was a lot busier,” Ms Adornato said.
“We’re fully vaccinated,” Ms Boyle said.
“We’re not going to let Covid stop us from doing our thing.”