BENDIGO retailers are celebrating after strong sales on Boxing Day.
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Several store managers said their sales figures had dramatically increased on last year, and The Good Guys Bendigo owner Danny Clapp said the store had its biggest day on record in both sales and customers.
More than 4100 people filed through the door to buy whitegoods, televisions and other electrical gear. Mr Clapp said it had been the busiest day at the store in the 10 years it had been in Bendigo.
“We’ve had people from out of town coming in, it’s been huge,” he said.
Anaconda store manager Gavin Exell said it had been the third busiest day in the store’s two-and-a-half-year history.
“Other than opening day and the first weekend, this is the busiest day we’ve ever had,” he said.
“It’s probably going to be about 33 per cent up on last Boxing Day.
“I didn’t expect it to be so busy but it’s certainly been ticking over the dollars for the retail sector.”
Spotlight manager Helen Hunter said shoppers appeared to have waited for the sales. “Lots of people were waiting at the door to get in and we’re probably up about 10 per cent on last Boxing Day.”
Focus on Furniture store manager Jonathan Westcott said advertising the sales seemed to have worked.
“It’s about a 20 per cent increase,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic day, a lot of foot traffic.”
There was a steady flow of people through Thomas Jewellers, store manager Geoff O’Connor said.
“It’s been consistent all day,” he said. “We opened at 9am and there were customers at the door and it hasn’t stopped since.”
Bendigo Downtown Traders Association president Ross White said the overall mood among retailers had been positive.
“The retailers I’ve spoken to have said it’s been a fantastic day for them.”
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