A BOXING Day frenzy capped off one of the busiest ever Christmas periods, with Latrobe Valley traders reporting increased action than previous years.
Stockland Traralgon centre manager Jeff Andrews said while more people were shopping at the centre throughout the week, 23 December was the major event.
“We had a record day on Monday. It was 19,000 people – the most we’ve ever had in the store in one day,” Mr Andrews said.
“Coles also recorded their best ever day that day.”
Big W manager Sean Nestor said the store, which is located in Mid Valley Shopping Centre, was “crazy” busy on Boxing Day, with popular items proving to be those advertised, including televisions and Christmas stock.
“We sold almost all of our reduced Christmas merchandise,” Mr Nestor said.
“Before Boxing Day we had about $30,000 worth left, now we’ve got about $5000 left.”
Other Mid Valley stores recorded busier Boxing Days than previous years, with Planet Surf reporting takings were more than double of a regular day of trading.
Sanity manager Rowan Lace said Thursday topped off a good Christmas period.
“Boxing day was really strong for us. We noticed a lot more foot traffic than the past couple of years,” Mr Lace said.
Moe Traders president Christine Waterhouse said while the few businesses open on Boxing Day attracted many shoppers, most stores remained closed.
“There were tonnes of cars on Moore Street. The shops that were open were flat out,” Mrs Waterhouse said.
She said most retailers agreed pre-Christmas sales were up on last year.
“The lead up to Christmas was that crazy. Everybody sold out of tonnes of stuff,” Mrs Waterhouse said.
“All were telling me they were exhausted by Christmas.
“We had a lot of support pre-Christmas and extended trading hours were worth it for most traders.”
