Quieter New Year sales after busy Boxing Day

It seems many people were all shopped out by the time New Year sales arrived after a massive Boxing Day retail splurge.

First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson said Boxing Day was the busiest he had seen on Lambton Quay, in central Wellington, when consumers were out in force.

‘‘In the past, we’ve had the New Year’s sales, which have inspired people, but really Boxing Day is stronger than it’s ever been before.

‘‘The weather played a part, with overcast and cool conditions resulting in many people hitting the shops.’’

The period leading up to Christmas was a little quieter than normal, Wilkinson said.

Improved weather, combined with the Boxing Day blowout, meant things were a lot less hectic during the first couple of days of the new year, Wilkinson said.

There was a ‘‘late run’’ of retail spending in Napier because of cooler weather during much of December. Napier City Business spokeswoman Steph Kennard said the rush started on Black Friday [November 29] and carried through until the end of the year.

Hastings City Business Association acting manager Kelly Nolan said retail spending was very strong before Christmas.

Wellington resident Sam Robinson knocked off most of his Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. It was the first time the 18-year-old was able to buy presents for all of his family members.

Waikato resident Izzy Eggers, 17, hit both the Black Friday and Boxing Day sales, leaving herself spent by the new year.

Wellingtonian Joseph Alison said that he had spent less this Christmas than the previous one, preferring to buy smaller presents.