Deal-seekers turn out for Boxing Day shopping across Hamilton and Dundas

Boxing Day is traditionally a very busy shopping day and customers did not hesitate to score a deal at Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton and in Dundas today.

“It’s like family coming together, spending some Christmas money, it’s fun,” said one shopper.

Some are here for the deals but others say they are here for the experience.

“It’s just nice to walk through the mall and window shop, it’s an experience,” said another shopper.

“I definitely have a budget […] just whatever is on sale, that’s what I’m getting. If it’s not there I move on to the next,” said another shopper.

“It feels good, pretty much, to get some good deals, see what’s on sale, pick up some nice clothes,” said another.

Shoppers CHCH News spoke with say there were long lines first thing in the morning at Lime Ridge Mall but things have calmed down.

“War zone. There were lines and lines and lines stores down, it was crazy,” said one shopper.

READ  MORE: Local shoppers scramble to find last minute holiday gifts

While people looking for a deal can come and go as they please, people who work in retail have to face the rush all day long.

“This is a Boxing Day that I feel like isn’t a lot like Boxing Days we’ve seen in the past – it’s not a Boxing Day of 20 years ago. We get a lot of early birds. But at the same time Boxing Day sales aren’t just Boxing Day anymore, we’re getting them until like Jan. 2,” said Astrid Brown, employee with Saje Natural Wellness.

“It’s really fun, honestly. It can be a little stressful, especially when there is a bunch of chaos going on and everyone is here at the same time. But it’s really fun because you get to see everyone, all these tourists, you get to see a bunch of families together,” said another Saje Natural Wellness employee. “It’s really interesting, the type of people that you will meet and it’s always a good time.”

And it’s not just big malls that are Boxing Day ready, businesses in downtown Dundas are also gearing up.

“Some people haven’t shopped for themselves before Christmas — they’re buying for everyone else. So I actually expect some people to come in and go, ‘okay it’s time for mom’, mom is going to buy a few things,” said Renee Christiansen, supervisor with Modella Ladieswear in Dundas.

“I know there is going to be a storm later so we wanted to come in and have a look-see before things got wicked outside. And it’s a nice sheltering place to come. Looks like a lot of good deals in here so I know I will see something,” said one shopper.

For many retailers, Boxing Day deals are expected to run all week long.

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