‘Wear comfortable shoes’: Your Boxing Day sales survival guide

Australians seeking retail therapy after a year compounded by a cost of living crisis will be spoiled for choice with “unprecedented” Boxing Day deals up for grabs.

The most successful December 26 shoppers will be prepared with a metaphorical “survival kit” as millions rush to snag end-of-year bargains, Australian Retailers Association boss Paul Zahra said.

Shoppers are expected to flock to department stores for a day of Boxing Day sales.Credit: Eamon Gallagher

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

“Shoppers who research and do their own price comparisons will get the best deals.”

The association estimates Australians will splurge $1.25 billion on “unprecedented” deals as retailers look to clear and refresh stock.

The Australian Retailers Association’s Paul Zahra says Boxing Day is the “grand final” of shopping in Australia.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

“Boxing Day is the grand final of Australia’s favourite sport, shopping,” Zahra said.

“Despite crippling cost of living pressures and economic turbulence, Australians are still set to spend slightly more than last year in the final pit stop before 2024.”

But the National Retailers Association reckons shoppers will have deeper pockets still, splashing $3 billion once fast food is factored in.

The nation’s two major department stores are gearing up for one of the biggest days on the shopping calendar.

David Jones anticipates up to one million customers through its doors and online during the week-long bargain period across all departments.

Here is an amazing opportunity to snag deep discounts across a range of products from fashion to back-to-school at Myer, store manager Allyce McVicar said.

“Make sure you plan ahead, write down a list, as well as get in early,” she said.

For those looking for a change of scenery, Qantas and subsidiary Jetstar are offering discounted one-way fares on almost every domestic and some international routes in the second half of 2024.

As shoppers transition from Christmas, so do their spending behaviours, Zahra said.

“In the lead-up to Christmas, shoppers are focused on buying gifts for their family and loved ones,” he said.

“Post-Christmas, Australians typically turn their minds to purchases for themselves and their household, focused on snagging a bargain.”

Australians who face buyer’s remorse amid the rush or want to return unwanted gifts are being warned by NSW Fair Trading to know their rights.

If a product is not of acceptable quality, does not match the description or is not fit for purpose, customers may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund under consumer law.

‘Consumers need to do their homework before they buy or they might get caught out.’

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner John Tansey

Customers have the same legal refund rights on sale items as they would have on full-price products unless they were informed of a fault before the purchase.

“Retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products meet required standards but consumers also need to do their homework before they buy or they might get caught out,” Fair Trading Commissioner John Tansey said.

AAP

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