Thousands pour into shopping centres for Boxing Day sales
THOUSANDS have taken to Sunshine Coast shopping centres in search of Boxing Day bargains this morning.
Myer at the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore was one of the most popular stores on the coast, with a crowd numbering in the hundreds gathering just before the 9am opening.
Retailers are bracing for one of the year's busiest trading day today, with the nation's shoppers estimated to spend $14.8 billion at the checkouts between now and mid-January.
Queenslanders will spend $3 billion in that time, according to peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said this year's post-Christmas sales period was predicted to be only slightly higher than last year's $14.1 billion.
"Consumers have had a tough 2012 with the introduction of the carbon tax, a soaring cost of living and mortgage stress from high interest rates," Mr Zimmerman said.
"New research has shown consumers are checking their bank balances frequently throughout the Christmas period to ensure they're sticking to their budgets.
"Retailers will, of course, see some rewards from their sales efforts, but at the same time, they'll be hopeful 2013 will bring some sales growth.
"Confidence was initially buoyed by the interest rate cut in December, however the fact that the full amount hasn't been passed on by banks means retailers will still experience restrained spending."
The Australian National Retailers Association estimates on Boxing Day alone Australians will spend $1.8 billion.
Queenslanders are expected to spend $338.3 million on Boxing Day and $261.8 on Thursday.
ANRA CEO Margy Osmond said more than 5% of 18-24-year-olds will leave their Christmas shopping until Boxing Day - higher than for any other age group.
"Gen Y love a bargain. Since the global financial crisis they have consistently been conservative and savvy shoppers, much more likely to hit the sales periods and hunt out a bargain online," Ms Osmond said.
"They have lost none of their taste for a good deal," she added.
Reader poll
Where will you be spending your money these post Christmas sales?
This poll ended on 16 January 2013.
Current Results
Food
4%
Electronics
6%
Apparel
5%
Household goods
2%
Toys
0%
Something else
2%
I won't be buying anything
79%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
POST CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS
SUNSHINE PLAZA
Wednesday December 26: 9am - 6pm
Thursday December 27: 9am - 9pm
Friday December 28: 9am - 5.30pm
Saturday December 29: 9am - 5.30pm
Sunday December 30: 10.30am - 4pm
Monday December 31: 9am - 5.30pm
Tuesday January 1: 10.30am - 4pm
Wednesday January 2: 9am - 5.30pm
Riverwalk retailers and major stores may trade extended hours
MAROOCHYDORE HOMEMAKER CENTRE
Wednesday December 26: 9am-6pm
Thursday December 27: 9am-7pm
Tuesday January 1: CLOSED
KAWANA SHOPPINGWORLD
Wednesday December 26: 10.30am - 4pm *majors trading extended hours
Thursday December 27: 9am - 9pm
Friday December 28: 9am - 5.30pm
Saturday December 29: 9am - 5pm
Sunday December 30: 10.30am - 4pm
Monday December 31: 9am - 5.30pm
Tuesday January 1: 10.30am - 4pm
*closure permitted, but advertising will read "major retailers and selected stores open"
NOOSA CIVIC
Wednesday December 26: 10am - 4pm, Woolies 9am - 6pm, Big W 9am - 5pm
Tuesday January 1: 10am - 4pm, Woolies 9am - 6pm, Big W 9am - 5pm
STOCKLAND CALOUNDRA
Wednesday December 26: 9am - 6pm*
Thursday December 27: 8am - 9pm
Friday December 28: 8am - 9pm
Saturday December 29: 8am - 5:30pm
Sunday December 30: 9am - 6pm
Monday December 31: 8am - 9pm
Tuesday January 1: 9am - 6pm*
*Indicates public holiday. Trading hours may vary, check with individual retailers.
