Record Boxing Day sales expected as shoppers undeterred by COVID

The Boxing Day sales frenzy is underway as shoppers flood major retailers around the country looking for bargains.  

Shoppers lined the streets outside department stores early this morning, queuing in the hope of grabbing the first deals of the day.

Face masks and social distancing were a constant in the queues, with shoppers only briefly pausing to check in before rushing inside. 

“This is my first year. I thought 6am, get in before the crowds and avoid COVID,” one shopper looking for shoes said.

“I’m here for bras and shoes, getting in early and then back to the family before they wake up,” said a shopper, who had made a tradition of coming each year with their mother.

“I feel like we get to see everything first and I get to see them in-person. It’s better than online, because when you go online you can’t actually feel them or see how big they are,” another shopper said.

One shopper looking for school shoes said the secret was getting in early to beat the afternoon crowds.

“People think its crazy here in the early morning but it’s actually not. The lines might be seem really long but once you get in the big buildings it’s really easy,” she said.

“Finally, finally!” came the cry when doors were opened to a flood of people at 6am.

Despite ongoing concerns about rising COVID cases across the country, retailers remain confident that shoppers looking for a bargain will not be deterred.

Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra believes Australians are more COVID-savvy in their shopping habits than ever before.

“Based on last year, we did see that people came out and about and shopped,” Mr Zahra said.

“They were more cautious of course, wearing masks and social distancing, and we will see a record number of sales online.”

Australians are projected to spend $21 billion during the Boxing Day sale period from December 26 to January 15, a 12.6 per cent increase compared to pre-pandemic years.

Mr Zahra believes the long lockdowns and “forced saving” of money in states that went without retail shopping for months contributed to the explosion in demand.

“During the many lockdowns in Victoria particularly, we’ve seen this massive, pent-up demand that’s been created,” he said.

“Now that people can move around, they’re looking to spend that money.” 

Projections from the National Retail Association (NRA) see Victorians spending $892 million in stores, a 4 per cent increase over last year.

The NRA has also projected Queensland to see an increase in its Boxing Day sales figures, despite avoiding lengthier lockdowns this year.

“Shoppers and retailers can expect crowds in droves on Boxing Day in Queensland,” NRA chief executive Dominique Lamb said.

“[Queensland] consumers are set to spend $495 million on Boxing Day, which is about a 6 per cent increase on last year’s figures.”

Shoppers urged to learn their refund rights

Boxing Day bargain hunters are being told to familiarise themselves with their consumer rights when looking for a refund.

Consumer Affairs Victoria reported more than 5,000 contacts related to refund rights this financial year, more than double the amount of contacts lodged in the year before the pandemic. 

Under Australian consumer law, all shoppers are entitled to a repair if an item turns out to be faulty.

If the item can’t be fixed you are entitled to a refund or replacement, even if it was bought on sale or online.

Victoria’s Minister for Consumer Affairs Melissa Horne said shoppers being aware of their rights would take the stress out of the Boxing Day rush.

“This has been another tough year for both consumers and retailers, so it’s important everyone is familiar with the policies when shopping this sales season to avoid a deal turning to disappointment,” Ms Horne said.