TAMWORTH shoppers were keen to get in on the bargain hunting act as major retailers were allowed to open on Boxing Day for the first time.
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Tamworth Business Cham- ber president Lia Mahony said it was the first time major retailers could open in the city, with only essential services such as chemists and cafes being able to open in the past.
“As someone who works in retail, I chose not to open,” she said.
“It was especially the supermarkets and major retailers that were popular, and a number of retail bargains were had.”
Although there wasn’t the rush that shoppers in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne may have had, Tamworth bargain hunters were keen to get in early so they didn’t miss out, and were milling around Peel St and other shopping areas to ensure they were among the first in the door.
“Overall, I think it has been proven to be popular,” Ms Mahony said.
“It has been received very well, with lots of people enjoying the opportunity to shop on Boxing Day.”
The chamber president said there were plenty of people around Tamworth’s main street browsing the shops and enjoying the cafes yesterday as well.
“It was quite a relaxed vibe,” she said.
She said she would try to speak with retailers this week to find out their thoughts on how Boxing Day trading went.
The Australian Retailers Association estimated that Australian shoppers spent $2.3 billion on Boxing Day sales.
It is estimated that NSW bargain hunters spent $749,920,990 in Boxing Day sales.
