Kilometers of traffic buildup for Boxing Day deals in Milton

On Boxing Day, police say they had to step in to get traffic under control around the Toronto Premium Outlets Mall in Milton.

OPP closed down a 401 access because of the kilometers-long backup leading to the mall.

“It’s crazy, but that’s what you expect on boxing day right?” said one shopper.

OPP warned drivers at first to avoid the 401 access ramp to the mall and asked them not to park on the shoulder of the highway and then shut down the ramp at one point.

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With roads backed up, people were leaving their cars behind and walking to the mall.

The Retail Council of Canada was predicting a massive rush to the malls this Boxing Day.

They forecast that 32 percent of Canadians were planning to shop significantly more than last year.

Retail Analyst Bruce Winder says it’s because people are looking for bargains in this inflationary environment.

“It’s all about the deal. People are hunting for deals. No one can afford to pay full price for anything so people are scrounging around looking for the deals,” Winder says.

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