Hunting down Boxing Day bargains

Not even the recent ice storm that crippled the greater Hamilton area could keep buyers from their bargains on Boxing Day, a big day for retailers and bargain hunters alike. Consumers hunt for the best deals, and stores compete to get them inside their doors.

The parking lot at Mapleview Centre in Burlington was bumper to bumper with cars looking for spots. But some deal hunters have their strategy for dealing with the parking mayhem.

“Follow the person that is leaving the mall. Stalk them.”

“I literally jumped out of a moving car, my sister dropped me off. I didn’t even bother trying to find a spot, we drove around for like an hour.”

Boxing Day seems to bring a mixed crowd. Some shoppers are just curious, they don’t necessarily plan to buy anything. While others, perhaps let down by Santa, know exactly what they want.

“A nice pair of skinny jeans because I’ve been really looking for that, and some tee shirts, just clothes.”

“PS3 controller, definitely Foot Locker, that’s a must.”

The Retail Council of Canada says December shopping brings in $30 to 40 billion in revenue for retailers. On Boxing Day shoppers are enticed with promises of mega deals and savings. But are consumers satisfied with those deals?

“Definitely worth it, definitely, 50 fifty per cent off, 20 per cent off, everything is definitely worth it.”

“There a lot of stuff that is over half off so it’s pretty good.”

“I hate to say it as a proud Canadian: the deals in the States are still better.”

Many shoppers believe Boxing Day in Canada is everyday shopping in the States. But some are content with spending their hard earned money locally.

“The U.S. has some pretty good deals, especially on Black Friday. But this is way more convenient.”

“I would rather buy something locally, like go to small businesses, as opposed to going to the mall when it’s busy, as opposed to going down south.”

“I like to support Canadian shopping, so I go to the States once in a while but I prefer to be here. It’s feel-good shopping here.”

Boxing Day in Canada has now turned into boxing week, so many local malls are offering shoppers extended holiday hours. If you missed out of the deals today retailers are still offering discounts for the next few days.

Another thing to note that the Retail Council of Canada is saying the ice storm that has affected most of our region could have a very negative effect on small and medium sized business. The reason: the ice storm arrived at a critical time, with December being one of the months that they can usually see their profits rise.