Boxing Day shoppers battle the crowds nationwide

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Australians have turned out in large numbers for the annual Boxing Day sales, despite ongoing cost-of-living crunch. The retail sector's experienced a rebound after three interest rate cuts and a surge in demand for bargains on everything from appliances to clothing.

Transcript

00:00It was a calm start to an otherwise buzzing boxing day at the shops.

00:07It's much more subdued than I expected it to be.

00:09I think everyone's shopping online, which is good for me.

00:12It wasn't long before the crowds began pouring in,

00:15with shoppers eager as ever to hunt out a bargain.

00:18It was smooth sailing. I think I got in just at the right time,

00:21but half an hour in and I've realised the shop's full.

00:25Even amid cost of living pressures,

00:27the industry had predicted shoppers will spend a record $1.6 billion today.

00:32It most likely will be the biggest day our store has ever seen in history,

00:36which is fantastic and obviously a big improvement.

00:38And for many, physical stores trumped digital retail.

00:42We just prefer to see it in person and try things on rather than online

00:46because sometimes it might not be what you think it is.

00:49The vibe, you know, a bit of action and have a look around.

00:52For some, it was the human connection that lured them out to the shops.

00:56I like the atmosphere. I mean, there's a lot of people here.

00:58You don't really know them, but everyone talks to each other.

01:01It's just fun.

01:02And a chance to part with some leftover money post-Christmas.

01:05The sales, you just can't beat them.

01:07Like, there's nothing like Boxing Day sales.

01:10And just had to come down for Sydney for the day,

01:12spend all my money, all that Christmas money.

01:14Nothing's really caught my eye so far, so I haven't spent much, to be honest.

01:17Just trying to spend the Christmas money, you know.

01:20With the rise in online retail, the scenes of shopper stampedes are no longer as common on Boxing Day.

01:25But the industry says the growth in spending shows the enduring appeal of the one-day sales event.

01:31Around 80% of shopping still takes place in-store.

01:34Aussies love their shopping. They love the sensory experience of shopping.

01:38Proving retail therapy is yet to go out of fashion.

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