Boxing Day sales: Shopping frenzy in record bargain cash splash

NSW will shrug off cost-of-living pressures to lead the nation in a Boxing Day retail resurgence and record cash splash.

Boxing Day bargain hunters will spend a record amount across Australia this year, with NSW leading the ­retail resurgence.

New data forecasts post-Christmas sales in the state will soar to more than $7.4bn, up $640m on last year, as shoppers embrace their post-Covid freedom.

NSW will have the biggest increase in the nation, in both percentage and dollar terms.

Clothing purchases will spearhead the surge – expected to be up 11.4 per cent.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal consumers will be greeted by the widest selection of fashion in living memory, because mild weather in the run-up to Christmas has left major retailers with mountains of T-shirts and dresses to offload.

Instead of the usual mix of odd sizes and lurid colours, it will be the full monty this season, industry insiders say.

The combination of ample supply and strong demand – clothing is No.1 on the 2022 Boxing Day hit list, according to a survey by consumer group Choice – means a shopping bonanza is set to ensue.

Tomi Aro aims for some bargains at the Boxing Day sales. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Australian Retail Association chief Paul Zahra told The Daily Telegraph he hadn’t witnessed Boxing Day conditions as favourable to clothes shoppers in his 20 years in retail.

“It will be the biggest ever range of sales options, in terms of colours and sizes, because of the unseasonably cold weather,” Mr Zahra said.

“It’s terrible for retailers but great for consumers,” Mr Zahra said. “Stores can’t hold on to the clothes. They have to sell it all. It’s going to be the most popular retail item.”

Department store David Jones said it would have a wide range of clothing – and other goods – at half price.

“There is no better time for great value,” said DJs Elizabeth Street store manager Wendy Rafferty.

Rival will also be offering deep discounts on current season fashion, said chief customer officer Geoff Ikin.

“We’re expecting this Boxing Day to be our biggest day of the year,” Mr Ikin said.

Across all segments, not just clothing, NSW is tipped to enjoy the strongest sales growth in the nation.

The ARA and Roy Morgan predict a $642m jump in total spending to $7.43bn – a 9.5 per cent increase on last year.

Shoppers Sunny Salt ,Ava Zonfrillo and Daisy Spence at David Jones. Picture: Richard Dobson

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean encouraged households to support shops in their area.

“The Boxing Day sales are an opportunity for people to bag a bargain but also to support local retailers, many of whom have had a challenging few years through the pandemic and are starting to bounce back,” Mr Kean said.

Business NSW is also predicting a solid post-Christmas period, before a reality check as the return to school nears.

“I don’t think people are going to wake up on Boxing Day and start to worry,” said BNSW chief Daniel Hunter.

“People will reassess their spending towards the end of January (when) retail will start to slow down.”

Choice editorial director Marg Rafferty urged consumers to plan ahead so they didn’t overspend, with a specific warning about buy now, pay later options.

“We’ve seen first-hand how these schemes can be potential debt traps,” she said.

A survey by finance broker Savvy found 76 per cent of people would pay with savings. Credit cards were the second-most popular option, ahead of BNPL.

Shopper Daisy Spence, 22, of Newcastle, said: “During big sale seasons I feel less guilty about buying multiple things because the discounts are so high.”

Friend Sunny Salt, 19, from Bondi, said: “I moved out of home recently, so I definitely want to take advantage of the homewares and appliances.”