Battling for bargains
THE Christmas chaos has continued for one more day with keen shoppers flocking to centres around Townsville for the annual Boxing Day sales.
Hundreds lined up early as doors opened to the public promising bigticket bargains across a range of goods.
While many were still nursing Christmas food comas from Wednesday’s festivities, it was expected nearly 30,000 would visit Stockland Townsville yesterday.
Kalven and Leigh Lloyd got in early to make sure they didn’t miss out on any bargains, searching for clothes, cosmetics and shoes. They said the day was all about having fun, picking up a deal and getting out and about.
“It’s all about the bargains and an opportunity to score a good deal,” Mr Lloyd said.
“I’d never buy shoes or clothes online, it’s good to be able to handle the product and see it.
“I think getting in early is important, otherwise all the good stuff gets snapped up quick, and to have a rough idea of where you want to shop and what you want.”
Their thoughts were echoed by fellow shopper Tegan Edwards, who had been at the shops with her mum since 8am. She was hoping to find discounted perfumes as a late Christmas present.
“I missed last year, that’s why I was keen to get here this year,” she said.
“It’s about getting in early. Stuff goes really quickly, especially after Christmas.
“I do (have a Christmas shopping hangover), and my credit cards do as well, but that hasn’t stopped me.”
Stockland Townsville centre manager Malcolm Miller said some of the biggest sellers were jewellery, and many people would visit the centre to use the huge amount of gift cards sold in the lead-up to Christmas.
Mr Miller said the centre was expecting more than 30,000 shoppers, making it “by far” the busiest day of the year.
“It’s fair to say it’s been a very, very tough year all around, especially after the weather event here earlier in the year,” he said.
“Townsvillians are very resilient and will bounce back. It ended up towards the end of November having a very strong trade over Christmas, which is very positive for next year.
“Online has its place in the market but traditionally people still like to socialise and it’s hard to do that shopping online.”
It’s expected most sales will continue on into the new year.