Shoppers score bargains at Geelong's Boxing Day sales

The Christmas present of a shopping spree on Boxing Day had a Highton eight-year-old making the most of the bargains. But one Geelong trader said shoppers’ laziness and Black Friday impacted sales.

Eight year old Remy on a shopping spree at the Boxing Day sales in Westfield with her mum Tani Jacobi. Picture: Alison Wynd

Airconditioned shopping centres across Geelong were a popular place to stay cool on Boxing Day as people flocked to stores for the annual sales.

Assistant manager of Duff’s Jewellers in Geelong Westfield, Teagan Clarke, said Boxing Day was non-stop.

“It’s been very busy but very productive,” she said.

“It would be about on par with how Black Friday looked.

“I think there’s plenty of people here because of the weather as everyone wants to stay cool.”

Eight-year-old Remy after her successful shopping spree at the Boxing Day sales in Westfield with her mum Tani Jacobi. Picture: Alison Wynd

While the Malop St side of Market Square was also seeing plenty of foot traffic, it did not translate into the mall.

Gifts For The Geek owner Darren Parker said Boxing Day morning was “dead” and the afternoon was always quiet.

“The weather played a part in how many people were shopping but Boxing Day sales have always been about getting in early and getting out,” he said.

“Geelong (shoppers) are inherently lazy … they park in Westfield and do their shopping, they might sneak across to JB Hifi but they’re not walking blocks to go to different shops.”

Mr Parker said Boxing Day sales had changed in the past five years.

Boxing Day sale shoppers in Westfield Geelong. Picture: Alison Wynd

“It’s all about manchester, bedding, kitchen appliances now, which you can all get online so it’s not just about massive sales in store anymore,” he said.

“Black Friday has also shifted Christmas shopping with lots of it done in November and having a quiet December now, which has been fascinating to see.”

Highton eight-year-old Remy Jacobi received the gift of a shopping spree for Christmas and, with her mum Tani, made the most of the bargains on offer in Westfield Geelong and Market Square.

Remy was on a mission from 8am to almost 11am and had a successful morning.

She said she bought “loads of clothes”, toys including squishmallows, stickers and a make-your-own toy, an iPad for school and more.

“I really like shopping,” Remy said.

Ms Jacobi said the pair went to the shops early to beat the rush and had done well.

They visited Lovisa, Smiggle, Cotton On Kids, Big W, JB Hifi and EB Games.

“There were lots of good sales, particularly on clothes which were well-priced,” she said.

“After we finish shopping we will go home and have a fashion show with all the new clothes.”

Originally published as Shoppers score bargains at Geelong's Boxing Day sales