Boxing Day 2025: Australians Set to Spend $1.6bn in Stores and Online
Boxing Day has long been one of Australia’s biggest shopping days. In 2025, it is set to make headlines again. On 26 December 2025, Australians are expected to spend around $1.6 billion in a single day, across physical stores and online platforms. That figure shows how powerful this post-Christmas event still is, even in a year shaped by rising living costs and cautious spending.
For many shoppers, Boxing Day is no longer just about impulse buying. It is about timing. People wait for real price drops. They use gift cards. They compare deals online before stepping into stores. Retailers know this, too. That is why Boxing Day has become a carefully planned moment, not a last-minute clearance.
What makes Boxing Day 2025 interesting is the balance. In-store shopping is holding its ground. Online sales continue to grow. Together, they reflect how Australians now shop smarter, not faster. This spending surge is not just about discounts. It tells a bigger story about confidence, choice, and changing habits at the end of the year.
Boxing Day: The Numbers Behind the Spend
On 26 December 2025, Australians are set to spend about $1.6 billion during Boxing Day sales. This is a rise of around 4.3 per cent from last year’s figures. The forecast comes from new data by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan, making Boxing Day one of the country’s strongest retail days of the year.
Household goods are expected to be the most popular category, with around $476 million in spending projected. Clothing and footwear may bring in roughly $216 million, while department stores are tipped to see about $123 million in sales. Smaller retailers and hospitality businesses are not left out, with strong growth forecast in those areas too.
The post-Christmas week from 25 to 31 December 2025 could see Australians spend about $3.8 billion. This shows that Boxing Day is now part of a broader holiday shopping window, not just one day of discounts.
What’s Driving Boxing Day Spending?
Several key trends are shaping how Australians approach Boxing Day in 2025. First, many shoppers are budget-conscious. With cost-of-living pressures still in play, people look for deals that stretch their dollars further. This makes Boxing Day a value-driven event more than ever.
A strong build-up of shopping activity throughout December is also a key factor. Many people start buying early, either to secure popular items or to use gift cards received at Christmas. This early momentum helps fuel bigger spending on the day itself.
Retailers are also prepared. They plan discounts and stock levels well before the day arrives. Some even start Boxing Day promotions early online or in stores, giving shoppers more reasons to spend.
Another trend is that Boxing Day no longer stands alone. It follows other major sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which now shape Australian shopping habits. Many consumers use those earlier events to grab big gifts and return later for Boxing Day deals.
Consumer Behaviour: Beyond the $1.6bn
Despite the big spending forecast, not all Australians treat Boxing Day the same. Some use it mainly as a chance to pick up items they missed during earlier sales. Others shop specifically for household goods and essentials, rather than luxury items. This signals a shift toward practical spending.
The rise of online shopping also plays a role. Many Australians prefer to browse deals on their phones or computers before or during Boxing Day. Retailers respond with strong online deals, sometimes with free shipping or extended return options.
There is also a longer sale period now. Many deals start before Boxing Day and stretch into the week after, meaning overall spending is spread over several days rather than concentrated in one. This reflects changing habits, where convenience and choice matter most to shoppers.
Retailer Perspectives: What Businesses are Preparing For?
Retailers across Australia are expecting strong traffic on Boxing Day 2025. Many stores are extending their sale periods from late December into early January. For example, major retailers like Kogan and JB Hi-Fi have launched early sales with large discounts on tech and home goods.
This extended window helps stores manage crowds and spread demand. It also lets shoppers compare prices and decide ahead of time. Retailers with strong online platforms are particularly well-positioned, as many buyers prefer to shop from home.
However, there are warnings from authorities too. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reminded major retailers to avoid misleading discount claims. The agency says some promotions use unclear pricing, countdown timers, or vague “up to” discount figures that can confuse buyers.
The ACCC’s push for clearer advertising aims to protect consumers and keep competition fair. This could change how some promotions are presented in 2025, especially online.
Tips for Shoppers: How to Maximise Value?
Shoppers looking to make the most of Boxing Day deals should plan. First, research prices before the event so that discounts can be compared. This helps avoid paying full price just because a sale tag claims savings.
Using gift cards received at Christmas is another smart strategy. Many stores allow gift cards to be combined with sale prices, giving extra value for money. Also, check return policies before buying, especially for big-ticket items.
Finally, shop early online or visit stores as soon as sales open. Some deals sell out quickly, and popular products can disappear within hours.
What does this mean for Retail and the Economy?
Boxing Day 2025 spending tells a broader story about Australian retail. The continued growth shows consumers remain engaged with traditional shopping events. Even as Black Friday and Cyber Monday rise, Boxing Day still draws strong interest and spending.
This yearly spike in sales also supports jobs and local businesses across the country. When people spend with Australian retailers, money flows back into communities through wages and investment.
Looking ahead, this pattern may shape future retail calendars. Longer sale periods and more strategic pricing could become the norm. Boxing Day may stay a major milestone in the year-end shopping season, even as habits continue to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Australians are expected to spend about $1.6 billion on 26 December 2025, across stores and online, according to retail industry forecasts and consumer spending trend reports.
Boxing Day 2025 deals are competitive both online and in stores. Online shopping offers convenience, while in-store sales attract shoppers looking for immediate discounts and limited stock items.
Yes, Boxing Day remains relevant in Australia. On 26 December 2025, shoppers can find strong discounts, especially on household goods, clothing, and clearance items after Christmas.
Disclaimer
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
