Shoppers flock to sales
Shop assistants throughout Southland were kept busy yesterday as shoppers took advantage of Boxing Day sales.
The Warehouse in Invercargill opened for business at 7am and other major retailers had their eftpos terminals and cash registers operating soon after 9am. Rebel Sport staff faced about 40 people when unlocking their door in Invercargill.
By mid afternoon the Leven St customer car parks of The Warehouse, Noel Leeming and Farmers were chockfull, with incoming shoppers driving slowly in the hope of spotting a park vacated seconds earlier.
Gerald MacRae, who owns the Invercargill branch of Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, said his 13 staff members were busy all day.
‘‘It been very busy . . . probably busier than [Boxing Day] last year.’’
All sorts of things were bought, including camping and diving gear, clothing, shelters and chairs.
‘‘Customers have been very patient when queuing. Lots of Christmas vouchers have been brought in [for goods].’’
Boxing Day and the Friday before the start of duck shooting were the store’s busiest days, MacRae said.
Nearby business, The Baby Factory, was also enjoying a roaring trade, manager Shelley Pollard said. ‘‘It’s been non-stop.’’
The total amount spent by Southlanders on Boxing Day should be released by Paymark today.
Meanwhile, customers Zach and Jess Thompson were satisfied with the 30 per cent off deal they got for a pram at the The Baby Factory.
The couple have been waiting for the post-Christmas sales.
‘‘It was cheaper than it normally is,’’ Zach said of the pram.
A tent, air bed and pump and cans of softdrink were among items bought at The Warehouse by the Abey family before they went off on holiday to Balmoral, 20 minutes inland from Kaiko¯ ura.
‘‘We’re looking forward to it . . . no cellphone reception, it’ll be great,’’ Chris Abey said.
Philip Woods, who spent Christmas Day with his mother in Invercargill, went to three or four stores looking for bargains before returning to his home in Alexandra.
He bought two sets of footwear at The Warehouse.
‘‘They were a lot cheaper than normal,’’ he said. ‘‘I think it’s a great thing [Boxing Day sales].’’