STORES across Bathurst have seen an increase in customers as residents go on the hunt for those post-Christmas bargains.
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Big W store 2IC Deirdre Owen said this year was only the second time the doors had been open on Boxing Day, but the numbers had improved.
“I would say on average, by the end of [Tuesday], we will have had an average of 2000 to 3000 people through the doors each day,” she said.
Retail trading reforms introduced by the NSW Government in 2015 allowed businesses in the Bathurst to open their doors on Boxing Day for the second year on Monday, without having to apply for an exception.
Big W was among the stores that had taken advantage of the reforms.
Ms Owen indicated that more people being aware the store would be open played a part in the strong patronage on Boxing Day.
“We traded longer yesterday than we did on Boxing Day last year. We opened for Boxing Day for the first time last year because the centre was open, so that was probably a factor,” she said.
Many store patrons stocked up on Christmas items, which had significant price reductions, while others chose to use gift cards they had received over the holiday period.
Target, located in Stockland Bathurst, saw more than 1500 people come through the doors on Boxing Day.
“It was about on par with last year,” department manager Gavin Pears said.
He said a lot of people like to go shopping on Boxing Day and there were a number of products in Target that were quite popular purchases.
“Most of the people have come in and looked at our Christmas stuff – all that stuff is 50 per cent off – our Tontine bedding range and DVDs, which are 20 per cent off,” Mr Pears said.
Harvey Norman franchisee Abbie Miller said there has been an “increase in foot traffic” through the store this year compared to the same time in previous years.
The retailer currently has half-yearly sales on, seeing customers favour a broad range of items across the store’s various departments.
We will have had an average of 2000 to 3000 people through the doors each day.
- Big W Bathurst 2IC Deirdre Owen
“I wouldn’t say there is one area that stands out more than others,” Ms Miller said.
Many major retailers will remain open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For opening hours, visit the store websites.