COLD WEATHER DIDN’T DETER HARDY SHOPPERS
Boxing Day sales a seasonal tradition in Cape Breton
Brisk winds and dangerously cold temperatures meant few early morning lines for Boxing Day sales around the Cape Breton Regional Municipality this year.
Instead, shoppers huddled in the warmth of their cars until store openings, before sprinting to the retailer of their choice in search of a good deal.
That was the case at Walmart outlets in the area, as well as the Best Buy at the Mayflower Mall — the two local stores commonly associated with a oneday Boxing Day sale.
After Best Buy’s 6 a.m. opening several dozen shoppers immediately entered the store. Many more followed in the first hour.
“I was looking to buy a TV,” said Brady Johnston, after his Best Buy excursion. “I didn’t get much for Christmas — just asked for money so I just got a TV.”
Johnston was at the sale with friends and family who helped him carry his new television and other electronic items from the store to his car before he returned home to go back to sleep.
He said that’s been his tradition for at least the past six years.
“In the past it was busier. Today it was pretty easy going. No competition.”
George Ratchford took in his very first Boxing Day sale at the urging of a friend.
“I usually wait until all the craziness cools down,” he said while entering Best Buy.
“I’m looking to get a charger for my phone and maybe an SD card and some video games.”
He figured a shopping plan was the best bet to keep his first Boxing Day shopping experience on track and on budget.
A plan is the key to a successful Boxing Day sale experience, according to one shopper who didn’t want to give her name out, in fear of spoiling a surprise gift for a friend.
“I knew exactly what I was coming for,” the secret Santa said. “That’s a good idea for a sale on any day.”
A plan is always part of her shopping experiences, as is waking at early morning hours, so getting out and about early wasn’t that big of a deal. Walmart’s openings were a little later on Wednesday. People waited, though.
Jan Marshall and her family were among them, picking up a new television and some other electronics.
“It’s not bad,” she said about the crowds. “Usually there are more people in other years. This year, I found it very calm.”
The Marshalls usually take in a Boxing Day sale and prefer the deals at Walmart to other retail outlets.
“Last time we had a bad experience. They gave away our TV even though we had a ticket. We got what we needed today, so it was good.”
At the Walmart checkout around 7:30 a.m., one clerk said it wasn’t busy just yet, figuring cold temperatures were keeping people away. Brisk business was expected as the day grew warmer, though.
Slower traffic at Boxing Day is no longer a surprise to most retailers or shoppers.
However, Moneris Solutions still lists the after Christmas sale as one of the three busiest shopping days of the year, joining Black Friday in November and Dec. 23. When comparing the amount of dollars spent on Black Friday to Boxing Day, Black Friday has beaten out Boxing Day for the last three years, according to Moneris.
While Boxing Day is a one day event for some, many local retailers are continuing their specials for a full week.