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Boxing Day bargains kick-off post-Christmas sales

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said in some states Boxing Day trade would account for almost a fifth of the $6.3 billion shoppers were expected to spend across the country during the next two weeks of post-Christmas sales.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the significance of Boxing Day trade would differ from state to state due to the various trading restrictions across the country.

"Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day of the post-Christmas sales for retailers and in Victoria - where there are no trading restrictions for Boxing Day - sales are expected to total $260 million, almost one fifth of the state's expected $1.52 billion in post-Christmas sales," Evans said.

"Retail sales for Boxing Day in NSW will account for $300 million, 14 percent of the state's expected $2 billion in post-Christmas retail sales.

"Queensland retailers are expecting Boxing Day to bring in $190 million, again 14 percent of the state's expected $1.3 billion in post-Christmas retail sales.

"After a tough year, retailers are working hard to attract shoppers and move stock leftover from Christmas. Generous sales of up to 70 percent off or more should continue for two weeks into January.

"It's easy for shoppers to be excited and overwhelmed by crowds at Boxing Day sales especially for consumers who were struggling with limited discretionary spend earlier in the year and now have money in their pockets to responsibly enjoy some discounted retail therapy. But we're advising consumers to keep their cool when bargain hunting and behave in a way that embraces the spirit of the festive season.

"There may be longer lines and delays in change rooms and at the register, but with a little patience shoppers can enjoy some big savings this Boxing Day," Evans said.

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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