Aussies set to spend 14 per cent more this Boxing Day—we've got the insider tip you need to spend less

Australians were preparing for one of the biggest Boxing Day shopping sprees in years.

Expectations were high, with consumers planning to spend nearly 14 per cent more this holiday season.

Shoppers over 60 faced a new landscape of sales that demanded careful strategy.

New research showed the average Australian planned to spend $1,140 over the Boxing Day period, while 84 per cent of retailers expected stronger sales, up from 51 per cent in
2024.

Analysts predicted $1.3 billion would be spent on Boxing Day alone, with $3.7 billion across the following six days.

This post-Christmas frenzy had become a major economic event, but it also required older shoppers to plan more carefully to make the most of the deals.

Price sensitivity remained high among Australians, with many keen to stretch their dollars amid ongoing economic pressures.

With proper planning, shoppers could secure genuine bargains without falling into common traps.

The New Boxing Day Reality

Boxing Day sales had changed significantly in recent years.

Deals often appeared days before 26 December, sometimes starting on Christmas Eve, and could continue well into January.

Interest in Black Friday had eclipsed Boxing Day since around 2018, according to Google Search trends, but this shift created opportunities for shoppers, as retailers competed more fiercely, offering substantial discounts.

Make a Strategic Plan and Stick to It

Shoppers were advised to make a strategic plan and stick to it.

Many retailers released sale prices ahead of time, often on Christmas afternoon, allowing early birds to get a head start.

Creating a wishlist on favourite retailer websites allowed easy tracking of discounts and comparison of prices across stores.

Signing up for newsletters helped, but too many promotional emails could be overwhelming.

Researching multiple retailers selling the same item was essential, as websites could crash and popular items sold out quickly.

For big-ticket purchases, checking independent reviews and ratings ensured informed decisions.

Energy-efficient appliances were particularly appealing, given rising electricity, gas and grocery prices.

Shoppers were encouraged to consider lesser-known brands or previous models that offered similar features at reduced prices.

Budgeting and Price Comparison

Setting a realistic budget was crucial, especially for households earning under $50,000, many of whom felt financial pressure.

Using cash or debit cards instead of credit schemes like Afterpay helped avoid impulse purchases and debt traps.

Price comparison was key to avoiding misleading discounts.

Smartphones could be used to check competitors' prices even in-store, and understanding retailer price-match policies helped shoppers make better choices.

Percentage-off claims could be deceptive, so focusing on the actual dollar saving was recommended.

Online shopping had grown in popularity for its convenience, but scams targeted unsuspecting shoppers, particularly older Australians.

Shoppers were warned to avoid deals that seemed too good to be true, unfamiliar websites, excessive personal information requests, insecure payment methods, and urgent time pressure tactics.

Official retailer websites were the safest avenue.

Alternatives, Negotiation and Add-Ons

Shoppers were also advised to consider alternatives and negotiate, particularly for large items or multiple purchases.

More than a third of consumers were likely to switch brands for a better deal, rising to 42 per cent for those under 35.

Retailers often offered bundled accessories or discounts for cash payments.

Avoiding expensive add-ons and extended warranties was recommended, as retailers frequently tried to boost profits this way.

Price beat policies could be leveraged, and accessories were often cheaper when purchased online later.

Know Your Rights and Stay Safe

Understanding rights and store policies remained important.

While Australian Consumer Law covered faulty products, change-of-mind returns were not guaranteed, though often accepted during sales.

Shoppers were advised to keep receipts, original packaging, and check return policies, particularly for gifts.

Staying aware of product recalls through ProductSafety.gov.au ensured safety when purchasing unfamiliar or clearance items.

Recalled products could be returned for a full refund, receipt or not.

For senior shoppers, online shopping during off-peak hours was often smoother, while in-store shopping was less stressful a day or two after Christmas.

Food, household goods, and clothing continued to dominate Boxing Day spending, with sales often lasting into mid to late January.

While Boxing Day deals can be exciting, not every discount is as good as it seems.

Some offers can be misleading or even part of online scams, making it important to stay vigilant when shopping.

For practical tips and real-life examples of how to spot these tricky deals, check out the following article.

Read more: Online shoppers beware: Seemingly great deals may not be what they appear

Have you discovered any great Boxing Day deals this year, or do you have tried-and-tested strategies for sale shopping?