Boxing Day sales
Perth’s Boxing Day sales kicked off with a bang as thousands of eager shoppers descended on Karrinyup Shopping Centre and the central business district (CBD) on Friday. With doors opening at 8 a.m., the northern suburbs shopping precinct was quickly flooded with families, friends, and solo bargain hunters eager to snag the best deals.
By midday, the bustling activity extended to DFO Perth, with crowds keen to save money on post-Christmas sales. Karrinyup Shopping Centre’s general manager, Trudy Cook, anticipated nearly 100,000 visitors, a significant increase from last year’s attendance of 85,000.
“We think this year we’re going to get close to nearly 100,000,” Ms. Cook said. “It’s under so much management control. We’ve got all our teams in place, we’ve got traffic management.”
Shoppers’ Experiences and Retail Trends
Among the throngs of shoppers were friends Jobe Henderson, 19, and Remy Noack, 20, who braved early morning lines at Peter Alexander’s Karrinyup store. Despite arriving at 8 a.m., they faced a 30-minute wait just to pay, a testament to the brand’s popularity fueled by TikTok trends and the demand for matching family sleepwear sets.
“It was crazy — we were lined up in the store for about half an hour just to pay,” Ms. Noack remarked. “There was a few bumps and pushing among people trying to grab their things… but it was expected for a busy day like today,” Mr. Henderson added.
Ms. Cook highlighted that the shopping center had sold over 100,000 gift cards per day in the lead-up to Christmas, setting a new record. She noted that the appeal of Boxing Day sales is undeniable, with pre-sales already underway and continuing throughout the week.
“The numbers prove that it’s such a popular thing to come in on Boxing Day. The sales are fantastic, so using that gift card you’re going to get more bang for your buck,” she said.
Retail Performance and Economic Impact
Other popular stores at Karrinyup included JB Hi-Fi and the newly opened Victoria’s Secret flagship store, which saw long lines and security presence. The Karrinyup Victoria’s Secret outlet has quickly become the second highest-grossing store internationally since its opening two weeks before Christmas.
Meanwhile, DFO Perth experienced significant traffic congestion, with traffic controllers managing the flow of vehicles in and around the area. According to data from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, Australians were expected to spend approximately $1.6 billion on Boxing Day sales. Nationally, spending between Christmas and December 31 is forecasted to exceed $3.82 billion.
“The biggest spending nationally would be on household goods ($476 million), followed by clothing, shoes, and accessories ($216 million), and department stores ($123 million),” the data revealed.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Retailers Association, emphasized the enduring appeal of Boxing Day sales and the resilience of the retail sector. He noted that value-driven consumer behavior is expected to persist into 2026, with a focus on competitive pricing and promotional activities.
“Retailers are finishing the year on solid footing. The growth we’re seeing highlights both the resilience of the sector and the enduring appeal of Boxing Day as a premier discount event,” Mr. Rodwell stated.
Federal Minister Patrick Gorman underscored the importance of protecting penalty rates for retail workers, even as online shopping gains traction. He expressed confidence that Perth’s CBD would become busier as the day progressed, despite a slow start.
“I’m certain that you will see the CBD filling up. We’re out here early, but I’m sure the CBD is going to be bustling, and you’ll see that as the day progresses,” Mr. Gorman said.
Online Shopping Trends and Consumer Advice
Research from PayPal indicated that 82% of Australians planned to shop online during the end-of-year sales, with nearly 60% conducting more than half of their shopping online. Fashion and accessories topped the list of popular purchases, followed by electronics, kitchen items, and beauty products.
“Almost 40% of all Australians plan to spend on Boxing Day sales, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge,” the research showed.
PayPal consumer expert Danielle Grant advised shoppers to remain cautious during busy sales periods by sticking to trusted sites and secure payment methods.
“Taking simple steps like sticking to sites you trust, being careful with links, and choosing secure ways to pay can make a real difference and help shoppers feel more confident online,” she advised.
As Perth’s Boxing Day sales continue to draw large crowds and significant spending, the event reinforces its status as a major economic driver and a cherished tradition for bargain hunters across the nation.
