NSW: Retailers winners in Boxing Day sales.

AAP General News (Australia)
12-26-2008
NSW: Retailers winners in Boxing Day sales.

SYDNEY, Dec 26 AAP - Despite the gloomy economy, retailers across the country opened
doors to hordes of shoppers eager to snap up a bargain on the first day of post-Christmas
sales.

In Sydney's CBD some lined up as early as 9pm (AEDT) on Thursday, outside department
stores David Jones and Myer.

At David Jones those who were there at 6am (AEDT) on Friday for the store's opening
were greeted with balloons, gift vouchers, and an appearance by singer Delta Goodrem.

Mens' shirt sales were brisk at Myer, and the demand for manchester was also strong.

Harvey Norman's Highpoint Melbourne store was full to capacity by 9.03am (AEDT) - three
minutes after it opened.

Across the country at Big W there was an unusually high demand for lawn mowers and
baby seats. Entertainment equipment and televisions were also popular.

The Australian National Retailers' Association said the fact that many chose to celebrate
Boxing Day by going on a shopping spree was evidence people were becoming more relaxed
about their mortgages.

"Interest rate cuts are starting to filter through," chief executive Margy Osmond said.

She also attributed strong sales to people spending their share of the federal government's
$10.4 billion economic stimulus package.

"There's no doubt a proportion of that has filtered through," she told AAP.

Independent forecaster Access Economics predicts Australians will spend almost $14.6
billion at the shops, compared to $14.1 billion last year, over the Boxing and New Year
period.

AAP bc/ss

KEYWORD: SALES ANRA

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