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Boxing Day sales at Chadstone interrupted by pro-Palestinian protests

Hundreds of shoppers have flocked to Melbourne’s CBD keen to snag a bargain as cost of living pressure mount, while one major shopping centre was met with protesters

Australians set to spend $23.9 billion on Boxing Day

Pro-Palestinian protesters have gatecrashed Chadstone shopping centre’s busiest day of the year.

Images shared to X, formerly Twitter, shows a small group of protesters waving the Palestinian flag on the escalators near the main food court on Tuesday morning.

The group were seen wearing keffiyehs and being escorted by security.

It comes as centre management anticipated more than 150,000 customers to shop at the centre for Boxing Day sales.

Pro-Palestinian protesters are distributing flyers as part of their protest Picture: Twitter
Pro-Palestinian protesters are distributing flyers as part of their protest Picture: Twitter

Chadstone shoppers also reported receiving flyers from the pro-Palestine group, which read “while your’e (sic) shopping, bombs are dropping”.

Anti-Defamation Commission chair and Jewish advocate Dvir Abramovich said Melbourne has become the “anti-Israel and anti-Semitic capital of Australia”, due to ongoing Pro-Palestine protests.

“Premier Allan, this is a state of emergency. Life as we know it, including families shopping with their children on Boxing Day has come to an end,” he said.

“These anti-Australian homegrown radicals are hell bent on not just destroying Christmas, but on turning the city we love into a battlefield of misery and conflict.

“They are tearing to shreds Melbourne’s reputation as a tolerant, peaceful city, and I would not be surprised if this horror show will turn off potential visitors from coming here.”

Dr Abramovich said Victorians have had enough of protesters “running amok” and “acting like Melbourne is a lawless city”.

“Shopping centres were once a safe place for people to visit, eat and shop, but no longer, as this hurricane of hate is eviscerating our sense of security,” he said.

“No one should be in fear in their own city, but this is sadly where we are heading to.”

Chadstone centre manager Daniel Boyle said the retail precinct remains “committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all” that is free of any political platforms, advertising or statements.

“Chadstone – The Fashion Capital has a proud and rich history of being a place where people from all backgrounds come together to shop, dine, stay and play,” he said.

“Our focus remains on delivering a world-class shopping experience, excellent customer service, and a wide range of unique retail offerings for visitors to enjoy.

“We believe that by fostering a spirit of unity, inclusivity, and respect, we can continue to be Melbourne’s premium destination where all individuals feel welcome.”

No Boxing Day sleep in

Hundreds of early-bird shoppers queued outside David Jones and Myer in Bourke Street Mall on Boxing Day, hoping to snag bargains of up to 50 per cent across a range of wares.

And one store was forced to implement a one-in-one-out crowd control policy as bargain hunters flooded through the doors.

Bargain hunters were out in full force, with the promise of huge savings relieving pressure on the hip pocket as the cost of living continues to bite.

Collingwood’s Dean Phillips told the Herald Sun Boxing Day was his “one big shopping day of the year”.

“We usually stock up on sheets, linen, pillow, towels. Get it all half price,” he said.

Shoppers queue outside Myer before the doors opened at 8am. Picture: David Crosling
Shoppers queue outside Myer before the doors opened at 8am. Picture: David Crosling
Lululemon had to implement crowd control measures as bargain hunters flocked to the store. Picture: David Crosling
Lululemon had to implement crowd control measures as bargain hunters flocked to the store. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Phillips said the cost-of-living crisis had “definitely” impacted the way he was shopping, putting off purchases to take advantage of the discounts.

“We even waited to get some toys today,” he said.

He said he preferred to shop in store because there was a wider range of items available that aren’t listed on the store website.

“A lot of it is floor stock only, until they run out. Especially the kids’ clothes, there might only be one or two things left that you don’t get online.”

Dean Phillips and his son Leonardo snagged many bargains at the Boxing Day sales in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling
Dean Phillips and his son Leonardo snagged many bargains at the Boxing Day sales in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

At David Jones, Sandra Pandzic said she was adding to her Villeroy and Boch dinnerware collection, which the retail giant was selling for 50 per cent off.

“It was $400 instead of $800, so a big saving,” she said.

“It’s limited edition so I wanted to get down early.”

She said she wanted to get her shopping done before heading to work, and preferred to shop in store rather than online.

“I’ve always been hands on; I like to see the product. I’m old school,” she said.

“Also to keep people in jobs in retail.”

However, the excitement of the day was muted for some when compared to years past.

Sandra Pandzic saved $400 on Villery and Boch dinnerware. Picture: David Crosling
Sandra Pandzic saved $400 on Villery and Boch dinnerware. Picture: David Crosling

Kirstie Papanikolaou said Boxing Day shopping was a tradition for her family and they liked going in store to be among the sales buzz.

“Usually there’s a bit of a vibe,” she said.

“They opened later this year though, which surprised me and there’s not many people around.”

Kristie Keppel was shopping with her daughter and friends and said some stores were busier than others.

“We got some deals in Lululemon actually … there was a huge queue around the corner,” she said.

“There were so many people in there, it was crazy.”

The leisurewear store was full of shoppers, with staff on the door enforcing a one-in-one out policy to keep the crowd manageable.

Saffron McKinley, Renee Moore, Kristie Keppel and Sienna Keppel at the Boxing Day sales. Picture: David Crosling
Saffron McKinley, Renee Moore, Kristie Keppel and Sienna Keppel at the Boxing Day sales. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Keppel said between the four of them, they scored two pairs of Industry men’s shorts, two pairs of Lululemon shorts and a drink bottle, a platter from Myer, Mecca perfume and some Body Shop items.

Ms Keppel said they had also noticed changes in their shopping habits amid the cost of living crisis.

“You definitely think twice about your purchases,” Ms Keppel said.

“And I’ve used more vouchers this time around to try and get more savings.”

National Retail Association chief executive Rob Godwin said shoppers could expect big discounts as retailers come off a “tough year”.

“Cost of living has certainly affected retail and retail confidence,” he said.

“But there is a bit of optimism and love to see the shoppers out smiling with lots of bags so we’re hoping for some cash to come back through the tills.”

“Boxing Day is still an institution, so I encourage all shoppers to get out there and shop around.”

Shoppers to splash billions on bargains

Victorian bargain hunters are out in force on Boxing Day, with shoppers expected to splash billions of dollars in the coming days.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) estimates consumers will spend $6.1bn between December 26 and January 15 – up 1.9 per cent from last year.

Nationally, it’s predicted department stores will drive the greatest growth while hospitality spending may decline by 3.3 per cent.

With the cost of living on almost everyone’s minds, ARA chief executive officer Paul Zahra is expecting to see more “bargain-driven Boxing Day shoppers” during the sales period.

“More consumers are budget-conscious considering the cost-of-living crisis, so the Boxing Day sales are an ideal time to grab a bargain as retailers look to clear stock heading into the new year,” he said.

Mr Zahra advised shoppers to create a “Boxing Day survival kit” to prepare themselves for the overwhelming crowds and to score the best deals.

“Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring your reusable shopping bags, don’t forget a bottle of water, and make sure to charge your phone before heading to the shops,” he said.

Hope Mancer, Tyrone Anthony and Ella Primerana are looking forward to the Boxing Day sales at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Picture: David Caird
Hope Mancer, Tyrone Anthony and Ella Primerana are looking forward to the Boxing Day sales at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Picture: David Caird

The state’s “fashion capital”, Chadstone Shopping Centre, could experience its biggest crowd for the year, with more than 150,000 people anticipated to browse its 500 stores between 6am and 11pm today.

Centre manager Daniel Boyle said the retail precinct has prepared for this day since June to ensure there was enough services and amenities to cater for all shoppers.

“Certainly the tip is to come early or later in the day and allow a bit of extra time and plan your trip,” he said.

“We’ve got some terrific tools on our website that can provide information on the best time to shop.

“We also have a shuttle service out of the city … that’s free of charge so customers can book at our website.”

Melbourne Central management said more than 200,000 people will browse its retailers today, with sales expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile in the city’s west, 100,000 visitors are expected to flock to Highpoint, which is home to more than 450 stores and will be open until midnight.

Westfield head of marketing Elena Petroska said its centres will also be “buzzing” as some sites open for extended trading periods.

Shoppers will see bargains across a range of items at both Myer, David Jones and other big name stores. Picture: David Crosling
Shoppers will see bargains across a range of items at both Myer, David Jones and other big name stores. Picture: David Crosling

Myer is expected to sell 52,000 T-shirts, 122,000 towels and 30,000 dinnerware sets today, with consumers seeing big sales across its house, beauty, fashion and toy departments.

Chief customer officer Geoff Ikin said Myer’s Stocktake Sale — which kicked off online on Christmas Eve and in-store today — is the perfect opportunity for customers to “stretch their dollar further”.

“This year discounts are deeper than ever with up to 75 per cent off homewares, 50 per cent off fashion, 20 per cent off kitchen appliances and up to 50 per cent off selected cosmetics,” he said.

Similar sales are observed at David Jones, with Victorian regional manager Louise Miller expecting to see small electrical appliances, beauty gift sets, summer fashion and travel goods on shoppers’ wish lists.

“The David Jones Clearance is a much-anticipated event on the retail calendar, and we encourage customers to take advantage of the great value and considerable discounts … in store and online,” she said.

Read related topics:Chadstone

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/victorian-bargain-hunters-to-spend-big-on-food-fashion-and-homeware-in-boxing-day-sales/news-story/eb2668b5761f622636fc9944212efd42