Our tips for getting the most from the biggest shopping day of the year!
By Laura Rankine
-Start bright and early to get first pick of the bargain products and to ensure that less time is spent circling the car park. However, don’t forget that on Boxing Day, others will have the same idea. Set aside at least half an hour to find parking or take public transport when you can. Be aware that you may still have to battle lines at the major shopping centres - even if it is 5am! 
-Look prepared and feel confident. Have a fresh face of makeup and a do your hair nicely to avoid the impact a drab appearance and florescent lighting can have on your self-esteem and poise. Not looking and feeling confident will impact how you see yourself in your new outfits.
- Be prepared for an active day of walking and changing. Wear comfortable shoes, an outfit that is easy to slip in and out of, carry a bottle of water and bring a bag that you can sling over your shoulder so that your hands are free. Don’t start the day with a heavy handbag as it will weigh you down as the hours pass.
-Plan ahead. Know the location of shops that you would like to visit and go straight there without spending time searching. Browsing during the chaos of Boxing Day sales can tire you out quickly, so be sure to find important items at the beginning of the day.
-Generally sales are best for purchasing older stock, not new arrivals. Keep in mind that you may not be able to find more than a small discount on brand new, in-season items.
-Don’t forget that many Boxing Day sales aren’t one day only! Most stores extend their sales for at least two to three days after the 26th, so if you’re not keen on fighting the crowds, make another day your sales day.
-Be aware of items that you already have at home. It is easy to get overwhelmed and carried away by all the big sale signs and overspend on clothing, home wares and appliances that you don’t actually need. Make a list of items that you will get good use out of, and what you really have enough of. Keep it on hand during the day to limit impulse purchases.
-Don’t spend too much time deliberating over whether to try something on or not. If in doubt, grab it anyway. That way you won’t lose it to the clutches of another shopper.
-If you are shopping in a group, don’t be afraid to break away and shop on your own. You are on a mission, and waiting for other people to try on items and make decisions for their own purchases wastes time. With the stressful atmosphere, every second counts.
-Gift cards and vouchers are popular Christmas gifts. Make the most of them and use them for your Boxing Day purchases.
-Don’t forget that not everything in store is on sale. Make sure you check before you take your items up to the counter. The last minute realisation at the register or worse, checking the receipt after leaving the store, is an easy way to spend outside your allocated budget.
-Retailers are entirely aware that Boxing Day is their biggest day of the year. Most take full advantage 
and fill the store with new signage highlighting their ‘sales’. Try not to get overwhelmed by all of this and be aware that they are there for a reason – so that you spend money. Make sure that you are getting a real discount on items. If you have a smart phone, apps such as ‘Sale Saver’ allow you to punch in the numbers and calculate the sale price. For more bargain shopping apps see Top Apps for Bargain Shopping.
