Boxing Day Sales: Strong turnout in Qld despite Omicron fears

Boxing Day sales have been strong in Queensland, as shoppers shrug off the spectre of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Thousands of Queensland shoppers descended on retail centres across the state yesterday, with over $3 billion expected to have been spent on Boxing Day sales nationwide.

The Sunshine State’s sales were forecast to reach $4.2 billion in the days after Christmas, according to the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan.

ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said strong interest in Boxing Day sales remained despite the ongoing Covid-19 threat.

“We’re forecasting a record $21.1 billion will be spent in the post-Christmas sales (Boxing Day to January 15),” Mr Zahra said.

“Sales are set to remain strong despite the ongoing threat of Omicron, with retailers remaining alert but not alarmed.”

He said sales could be seen across the board from fashion items to homewares and electronics.

“While people have been purchasing gifts for others in the lead-up to Christmas, the Boxing Day sales are traditionally a time when people purchase things for themselves or their homes.

Sophie O'Toole, 16, at David Jones Queens Plaza. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Like the Boxing Day Test, comfortable shoes and remaining hydrated are key to a successful outing. For those who want to escape the crowds, a good alternative is to shop from the comfort of your own loungeroom – on your laptop or mobile phone.”

Research from PayPal showed 49 per cent of shoppers preferred to do their Boxing Day shopping online, compared to 51 per cent who liked to shop in store.

The figures revealed baby boomers and Generation X were more likely to go to the shops.

PayPal shopping expert Rob Bates said particularly the younger generations preferred to shop online.

“While some Australians are returning to stores in search of the best deals, avoiding the rush and stress of hitting the stores physically is a priority for many Aussies,” he said.

“For some, shopping the sales online can help avoid the seductive sales signs and prevent unplanned retail regrets.”

This year the post-Christmas forecast growth was expected to drop by 2 per cent from 2020.

On the Gold Coast, Boxing Day sales had a slow start as bargain hunters appeared in smaller numbers, with many shoppers also failing to mask up.

Shoppers in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall. Picture: Jerad Williams

There were no mad rushes of people as the doors opened or parking chaos at Queensland’s second biggest shopping centre, Pacific Fair.

Pacific Fair general manager Shaine Beveridge encouraged locals and tourists to take advantage of the massive discounts on offer.

“There (was) a really healthy number of people here and they have all come ready to get a great discount,” Mr Beveridge said.

“Boxing Day is an absolute tradition in Australian retail.”

Despite the threat of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, only about 50 per cent of people in the centre were wearing masks while retail workers monitored shoppers using the Check-In Qld app.

Popular retailers such as Culture Kings and Peter Alexander were among the few stores that had lines snaking out the door.

Centres across the southeast, including Westfield Chermside, Indooroopilly, Robina and Pacific Fair remained open until 6pm.

Shoppers in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall. Picture: Jerad Williams