As Boxing Day continues to evolve into a week-long event, some stores are experiencing reduced queues on December 26, though many shoppers still hunt for post-Christmas bargains. Kathleen Luce, an early bird consumer, sought out the best deal for a gaming console, reminiscing about her first Boxing Day experience over a decade ago when lines were much longer. Tad Chrapko, another shopper, noted that growing trends have made long queues less common, attributing this to the rise in Black Friday’s popularity in Canada, where deals now extend throughout the entire week without the pressure of door-crashing sales.
However, at Best Buy in South Edmonton Common, Store Leader Matthew Emke reported a large turnout, describing the day as filled with excitement and a vibrant atmosphere. Emke acknowledges the shift towards online shopping but maintains that many people still cherish the in-person shopping experience. Despite changing times, Boxing Day remains a significant event for retailers, with thousands of customers expected at his store.
Meanwhile, at the West Edmonton Mall, general manager Danielle Woo anticipates Boxing Day traffic to possibly surpass last year’s record. Woo highlighted the in-person shopping appeal, as consumers enjoy the tactile experience of examining merchandise firsthand. While online browsing sets the stage for purchases, many shoppers prefer completing their transactions in-store.
