Boxing Day Sales: should we be hyped?

 Source: WeHeartIt

In 2010, boxing day sales were dissapointing. Due to the tough retail climate, retailers had heavily discounted in the lead up to Christmas, and on boxing day the discounts weren't comparatively special. This year, if you believe the media, the retail sector is in even more strife. And pre-Christmas discounting certainly seems to be ramping up!

For example, a few sales we have already seen pre Christmas in 2011:

~ Crossroads - nothing over $19.99 storewide, selected items $5 etc.
~ Katies - minimum 50% off storewide
~ City Chic - 50% off storewide
~ Cotton On - nothing over $20 sale
~ Ben Sherman - 40% off storewide
~ Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Dotti, Jacqui E, Portmans - 30% off all full priced stock
~ Jacqui E, up to 40% off storewide which then become up to 60% off storewide. Um, yay?
~ Peter Alexander, Smiggle - 20% off full priced stock
~ Ojay - 40% off storewide for cardholders
~ Deals Direct - 10% off code and free shipping sitewide
~ Certain mall promos, like Westfield Paramatta's 40 Hour Nonstop Shop [9am 22 Dec - midnight 23 Dec], where every store has some offers. The best of this one IMO are Giodarno 50% off storewide, Mossimo 40% off storwide, Queenspark and Sussan further 50% off reduced items, Man to Man 50% off suits,  Typo 30% off all full priced items.
~ The usual raft of discounts at Myer and DJs

If you are thinking "What!? I didn't know about these sales!?", you need to check out my bargain shopping tips post, pronto!

Myer and DJs have promised that boxing days sales will live up to their hype this year:

According to Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes, "We still spend $300 million a year marking products down but we are saving a lot of it for the stocktake sale, which will be big this year. We need to step up the discount and the aggressive nature of the stocktake sale and that's exactly what we're doing."

DJs boss Paul Zahra said the store was having "fewer but better" promotions compared with last December to ensure the Boxing Day clearance was "distinct".

My predictions are as follows:
~ Myer will have worthwhile offers but these will mainly be daily or hourly sales/specials.

~ There will be bargains to be had online, for those sitting infront of their computer. A smart online marketer should be advertising in the days leading up to Xmas to attract shoppers who would otherwise be at physical shops on boxing day. Online stores that don't have large dedicated sale sections may offer sitewide free or capped shipping for the day, or a % off discount. Online retailers have the potential to do a roaring trade, capturing those who can't be bothered facing the crowds at physical stores.

~ High street retailers such as Jacqui E, Portmans etc who have already discounted aggressively in the Xmas lead up will not be offering up anything spectacular, maybe a further 10%-20% off the pre Xmas sale prices at best. There might be some exceptions - let's hope they surprise me.

I managed to get caught up in the pre Xmas sales hype, buying this Asos Kimono Dress with Drape (Approx $33 AUD on sale):