Shoppers queue for hours at Boxing Day sales but bargains still remain

VICTORIANS were tipped to drop more than $745 million at Boxing Day sales today, but there are plenty of deals still to be had as major retailers slash their prices for the end-of-year bonanza.

Keen shoppers rush to grab a bargain at the Boxing Days sales at Myer in the city. Picture: Nicole Garmston

VICTORIANS were tipped to drop more than $745 million at Boxing Day sales today, but there are plenty of bargains still to be had.

Electronics, household goods, clothing and cosmetics will continue flying off the shelves as major retailers slash their prices for the end-of-year shopping bonanza.

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Victorians are predicted to splurge $4.5 billion over the next three weeks.

Myer is expected to attract 5.4 million Victorian shoppers during its annual stocktake sale, which started today.

Fashionistas will snap up more than 65,000 dresses, 60,000 pairs of shoes and 35,000 handbags during the first week of the sale, while some 150,000 business shirts and 10,000 suits are expected to be sold before the sales end on January 28.

Kitchens and bathrooms will also be revamped as discounts entice shoppers to stock up on 100,000 new kitchenware items, 190,000 towels, 60,000 pillows and 5000 beds.

Diehard shoppers camped outside their favourite stores to scoop up the best bargains.

Australian Retailers Association chief executive Russell Zimmerman said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Victorians spent more than $745 million in predicted sales.

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Shoppers rush to get a bargain. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Some shoppers began lining up at 6pm last night to get a bargain. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The start of the queue to get into Myer. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Shoppers queued before dawn to get a bargain at Myer. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Hundreds of bargain hunters charged through the doors at Myer’s Bourke St Mall store when it opened at 5am.

Partygoers Meagan Kovatchev, Simone Kovatchev, Chastine Penev and Sarah Jane Penev were among the first in the queue, having come straight from a nightclub.

The group won Myer’s “gold ticket” prize, which saw them walk away with up to $1300 worth of freebies.

Chadstone Shopping Centre attracted more than 170,000 shoppers, while Highpoint Shopping Centre recorded 130,000.

The rush caused chaos on Melbourne roads, with traffic bottlenecks reported from the early hours of the morning.

Mr Zimmerman said as crowds were building as of 9.30am.

“We’re on track to pull $745 million across Victoria today,” he said.

“It was a late surge before Christmas this year but we’re on track today.

“People love buying gadgets and electronics, cosmetics, clothing and household goods on Boxing Day.”

Travelling all the way from Cobram, Chrissie Katz said she arrived at Bourke St at 3am with no plan of what to buy.

“I just wanted to come for the experience, I have no idea what I want to buy!” she said.

Monash University student Belinda Goldman from Caulfield arrived at 4.30am and spent more than $400 on clothes.

“I didn’t bother sleeping all night. I was too keen, I’m here for anything that’s a good bargain,” she said.

“It’s the whole experience. I’ll be going home to sleep all day now.”

Meagan Kovatchev, Simone Kovatchev, Chastine Penev and Sarah Jane Penev arrived at 2am after clubbing. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Zina Yakmov from Geelong, Zhenya Yakimov from Geelong and Natasha Paramonov from Spotswood arrive early for the sales. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Natasha, Zina and Zhenya with their purchases. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Antonia Caridi arrived at David Jones at 4.15am.

“I’m late ... I got here at 3.30 last year,” she said.

“I’m here for makeup, fragrances ... everything!”

Barista Jennifer Abela was pouring coffees from 3am in the Bourke St Mall.

“There’s been some punters up since last night, we’ve been pouring plenty of coffees,” she said.

Australians are set to splurge $17.9 billion over the next three weeks according to retail associations with Victorians due to shell out $4.5 billion.

Myer on Bourke St Mall offered its first 100 shoppers a ‘gold ticket’ which put them in a random lottery for prizes such as digital TVs, cookware sets and luxury hairdryers.

David Jones regional manager Lyn James said the early morning crowds were “fantastic.”

“It’s become quite a tradition for some, we see a lot of regular faces, particularly with country folk who head into the city for a big day of shopping,” she said.

“While there is quite a lot of movement online, we’re still set for one of our busiest days of the year.”

Shoppers line up outside David Jones in the city. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Paul Harris of Melbourne scored discounts on glassware and a mattress protector but confessed he didn’t really need them.

“My technique is simple, I come a few days before to look at the prices and then come back on sale day for the contrast price,” he said.

Geoff Doyle from Hobart travelled to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test while wife Julie is here for the sales.

“I bought some shorts but she’s probably buying half the shop,” he said.

“We got here at 4.50am, it was nice and fresh.”

Mr Doyle bought two pairs of shorts which discounted for more than 50 per cent.

Zina Yakmov from Geelong left home at 2am to make the Bourke St sales.

“We love the experience, we made friends in the line, it’s better to come in and try stuff on because you get good service when the staff are fresh.”

Shoppers played Uno at they waited in line outside Myer Picture: Nicole Garmston

Craig Bone of Southbank said he looked forward to the sales every year because he “loves a bargain”.

“It’s a ritual, coffee is essential, we don’t have time to eat ... too busy shopping!”

Simone Kovatchev queued for three hours after a night at Ms Collins nightclub.

“I’ve been awake for 24 hours but it was worth it,” she said.