Retailers in the box seat

compared with last year.’’

Crew employee Olivia Robinson said the Christmas period had not been as busy as previous years. ‘‘I don’t know if that is because a lot of people are doing it online,’’ she said.

However, there were more people out shopping on Christmas Eve this year, she said, indicating that people were leaving their purchases till later. be a hard thing to choose for someone else. But it still is a really nice thing to give, so gift cards are a really great way to give them the gift of choosing.

‘‘Boxing Day is a really big one for us. People often come in with their gift cards or their Christmas money and there are big sales everywhere . . . it is a good time to grab the things you have been wanting.’’

Fairweathers publican Warren Croft said Boxing Day was the busiest day of their year – both because of the sales and the Boxing Day test match, which this year features the Black Caps playing old foes Australia.

As one of the only pubs open on Boxing Day, they would be showing the cricket as usual but Croft was expecting the high number of Kiwi spectators in Melbourne to generate more interest in the game.

‘‘I think people will stay and watch it and be entertained . . . it will definitely be a big plus.’’

John Gilbert was having a drink in Fairweathers with his granddaughter after having a look at the Boxing Day Sales. He was not hopeful for New Zealand’s chances.

‘‘I am not the biggest cricket fan but I will be interested to see how they go.’’