Tasmanian retailers rejoice in Boxing Day spending boom

Tasmanians made an early start to Boxing Day shopping, with the state’s leading business body saying it will be a massive lift for stores as the new year approaches. Watch the video.

Eager shoppers flocked into Hobart CBD on Boxing Day to make the most of the best retail deals, with lines into stores beginning as early as 7.30am.

Research by the Australian Retailer Association (ARA) estimates Tasmania’s spending during this year’s Boxing Day Sales period – which runs from December 26 to January 15 – will reach about $472m.

The spend is up 1.7 per cent from last year.

This is part of Australia’s $23.9 billion spend in the 2023 Boxing Day sales period – around $400 million more than in 2022.

Crowd favourite stores in Hobart appeared to be retailers like Peter Alexander, Lush and JD Sports who brought in the most early bird shoppers, with department store Myer again a popular choice for the beginning of the day.

Friends Ruby Harriss and Ruby Rigney, both 13, had already checked out some of the sales before coming into Hobart CBD.

Ruby Harriss 13 with Ruby Rigney 13 out early shopping on Boxing Day. Boxing Day shopping in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We started off the day at Peter Alexander and lined up first thing this morning,” Ms Harriss said.

“We saw people lining up and because of that thought there would be some good sales.”

Ms Rigney scored herself a Grinch onesie early in the day ready for next Christmas while Ms Harris grabbed a pair of pyjamas as well, but weren’t done with shopping yet.

“We got here at around 8.20am and from here we’ll go look at Mimco – they have a handbag on sale online that I want to get,” Ms Rigney said.

“We’ll have a look around the rest of the stores and see what’s there.”

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) CEO Michael Bailey said despite some concern about actual spending, Tasmanians had come out in force at the state’s retailers.

“Traditionally in Australia when things are tight financially, people seem to spend pretty well at Christmas and that’s certainly the case here,” he said.

The line up to enter JD Sports in Elizabeth Street Mall. Boxing Day shopping in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“People still want to celebrate something even in hard times.”

Mr Bailey said Tasmania has had a good track record of sales over the Boxing Day period in the last decade, with major shopping centres around the state reporting a busy day of trade.

“I believe the ARA’s predictions will be right – I had the chance to see some of the crowds in Hobart on Tuesday and it’s easy to see our businesses racking up numbers close to $470m,” he said.

“Many major retail chains have focused their marketing budget on the Boxing Day sales, with small businesses also set to benefit from the extra foot traffic in the CBD. It’s clear that retail around Australia and Tasmania has geared up for today in particular.”

Tasmanian businesses have felt the brunt of rises in costs of doing businesses, like everyday families, with Mr Bailey stating the big spending from the public will “put hay back into the barn for next year”.

“Spending has been good, but the cost to do business has risen significantly,” he said.

“It was a real need for Tasmanian businesses to have a good end of the year in sales.”