How did local businesses fare on Boxing Day this year?

By Djembe Archibald

Dec 26, 2023

Shopaholic: Mia Thomas waiting patiently while she thinks of what to buy on Boxing Day. Photo by Megan Fisher

Boxing Day sales have been a staple of the festive period for years, allowing businesses to sell their excess stock and customers to enjoy a good bargain.

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How did this year’s stack up against previous years?

Intersport Shepparton owner Gary ‘nipper’ Harvey said that business was stable but different from last year.

“It was solid,” he said.

“The rain this morning put it back about two hours, but from 11am onwards, it was pretty consistent.

“Some people were cracking on with back-to-school shopping, but there was nothing particularly popular; it was all pretty much the same.

“It’s been slower than last year although.”

Discounts and bargains: Despite shops feeling the lowered level of business, if you walked down Maude St or tried to get a park in the marketplace, it was evident that sales were on. Photo by Megan Fisher

This feeling of fewer customers was consistent throughout the businesses The News chatted with, including Bras N Things.

“It’s been pretty slow today,” store manager Emilie Harrison said.

“There was a bit of a rush, but really, the whole festive period has been way less busy than other years.

“Our biggest day these holidays was actually Friday, December 22.”

Harris Scarfe was also experiencing a dip in attendance relative to previous years. However, business was still good.

Looking inside the store, entertainment has a consistent stream of customers.

Despite shops feeling the lowered level of business, if you walked down Maude St or tried to get a park in the marketplace, it was evident that sales were on.

Some said the dip may have been due to the 16.6ml of rain experienced in the early morning, while others felt that the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic had something to do with it.

Either way, Boxing Day discounts continue to increase sales in our region and remind us to shop locally, even if it is just for the sales.