Heavy discounts and two-for-one deals brought hundreds of shoppers to the Bendigo Marketplace, Pall Mall and other shopping districts.

Myer employee Kathryn Fortuna has worked at Myer for four years but volunteered this year for the Boxing Day shift.

She said most customers were just searching for something personal and special.

"Everyone just wants the ultimate bargain," she said.

Ms Fortuna said it was fun to work with her team at the personal care counter.

She said staff had embraced the concept of finding wonderful, Myer's latest advertising campaign.

Smiggle assistant manager Monika Bell said the Marketplace was "flat out".

Ms Bell said the store's best sellers on the day were the reduced gift packs.

"People seem to be tired but mostly happy today," she said.

"Today is definitely one of our biggest days."

Cotton On store manager Nikki Giri has worked more than 10 Boxing Day sales for the Cotton On Group.

She said the Pall Mall Cotton On store was often busier than Melbourne Central or Bourke Street stores.

"I think it is because we get lots of tourists, too," she said.

Ms Giri said the $5 tops for men and women were the best sellers.

Rochelle Andrews visited Myer and picked up a few bargains just in time to get on the road for a camping trip.

"(I am up this early) because my husband made me shop early or else we would take too long to get to our camping site," she said.

Camille Maxwell picked up a $500 television for $385 from JB Hi-Fi.

"It's a huge 40 inches," she said.

"I also saved about $40 on clothes at Myer."

The Australian Retailers Association estimated shoppers would spend $2.072 billion on Boxing Day in Australia.