Shoppers across Perth wasted no time diving into the post-Christmas bargains, with major retail hubs like Karrinyup Shopping Centre and the city's CBD experiencing a significant influx of eager bargain hunters on Boxing Day.
The annual sales event saw stores opening their doors early, with many offering discounts of up to 70 per cent on a wide range of items, from fashion and electronics to homewares.
Early Birds Catch the Best Deals
At Karrinyup, one of Western Australia's largest shopping centres, the car parks began filling rapidly from the early morning. Shoppers were seen queuing outside popular department stores and fashion retailers well before opening time, determined to secure the best deals.
Similar scenes unfolded in the Perth CBD, where a mix of locals and tourists navigated the streets with bags in hand. Major retailers along the Murray and Hay Street malls reported consistent foot traffic throughout the day, creating a vibrant and busy atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Retailers Respond with Extended Trading
In response to the anticipated demand, many shops extended their trading hours. Karrinyup Shopping Centre itself operated from 8am to 6pm, giving customers ample time to hunt for reductions. CBD stores also adjusted their schedules, with some staying open later than usual to accommodate the crowds.
Retail staff reported that the day was one of the busiest of the year, with high demand for discounted clothing, summer apparel, technology, and toys. The strong turnout is seen as a positive indicator for the post-Christmas retail period, which is a crucial revenue window for many businesses.
A Boost for Perth's Retail Economy
The bustling activity in Perth's key shopping districts on December 26 provides a welcome boost to the local retail sector. This traditional shopping day remains a cornerstone of the Australian holiday season, despite the growing prevalence of online sales events like Black Friday.
The physical rush to stores underscores the enduring appeal of in-person bargain hunting for many consumers. The successful day of trade at centres like Karrinyup and in the CBD highlights the ongoing importance of major shopping destinations in driving foot traffic and sales during key promotional periods.
With the school holidays in full swing, retailers are hopeful that the strong momentum from Boxing Day will continue throughout the summer, supporting jobs and business confidence in Western Australia's retail industry.
