Aussies to spend $1.3 billion in Boxing Day sales amid cost-of-living crisis

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, Australians are set to splurge a staggering $1.3 billion during this year’s Boxing Day sales.

Data retrieved from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan show that there is an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to last year.

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Over the holiday sales period, from December 26 to January 15, 2025, shoppers are forecast to spend a whopping $24.7 billion.

But how can Aussies make the most of these much-anticipated bargains?  

Mark Serrels, editorial director at consumer advocacy group Choice, says while great deals are available, shoppers should not assume they are getting once-in-a-lifetime offers.

“You’re not always getting the very best deal,” Serrels said.

“Even if you are, that deal will probably appear again during another sales period. Those emails and ads are designed to pressure you into thinking, ‘I need to buy this now because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal’, but that’s hardly ever the case.”

Serrels also emphasised the importance of price checking, even during sales. 

Retailers have expanded Black Friday sales beyond the traditional one-day event, spreading promotions over weeks to ease logistical pressures. 

Swinburne University marketing professor Sean Sands noted the shift has made sales more accessible but less urgent.

“Retailers are trying to get ahead of one another by starting earlier, which spreads demand and reduces strain on systems,” Sands said. 

“But the downside is shoppers might feel sales are constant and delay purchases, sometimes missing out altogether.”

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