Boxing Day brought thousands of shoppers to major city centres in anticipation of a good deal

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Despite a challenging year, bargain hunters have been out snagging deals across the country in the annual Boxing Day sales. This year, a record 1.3 billion dollars is expected to be spent. But retail groups say shoppers should be cautious.

Transcript

00:00T'was the day after Christmas and all through the streets, shoppers lined up around known

00:08shopping beats.

00:09It does feel very busy today, we had a lot of queues outside of shops before they were

00:15opening.

00:16It is chaotic, like literally chaotic.

00:17Discounts were dangled.

00:18Done a bit of damage and today we're pretty much just trying to get the bargains.

00:23And with shopping bags in hand, punters were on the hunt.

00:27Probably a one off buy, probably looking for a splurge.

00:29It's really good, so many sales happening.

00:33Many braved the long lines.

00:34It's all part of the fun, honestly, what would be Christmas without a queue?

00:38It's really because of cost of living challenges that we're seeing shoppers out in force today.

00:43Shoppers have been bargain hunting all year and they've been saving up.

00:46But there are signs in some parts, the annual tradition may be losing its spark.

00:52This is very quiet, I think over the last few years it's gone down in numbers but I

00:57expected a few more than just me.

00:59At least a decade ago there'd be queues down the street both sides.

01:03Experts say it's largely due to the popularity of online shopping, with data showing Black

01:08Friday has overtaken Boxing Day sales.

01:12Cities on the east coast are forecast to spend the most through to the end of January, with

01:17New South Wales taking the top spot, followed by Victoria and Queensland.

01:23This year a record $1.3 billion spend is on the cards for Boxing Day alone, but with

01:29Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, retail experts are warning shoppers to be on the

01:34lookout for dud deals.

01:36That's why it's so important to do your research, compare prices online.

01:40A discount doesn't mean that it's necessarily the best deal around.

01:45For many retailers, it's the most important time of the year.

01:49Many businesses make about 30-40% of their revenue in the six weeks around Christmas.

01:55Which could give retailers cautious confidence for the new year.

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