Boxing Day means sales

Forget the Christmas rush - Wairarapa retailers are expecting the biggest shopping day of the year today as bargain hunters hit the streets to take advantage of Boxing Day sales.

Farmers spokesman Dean Cooke said today was one of the store's "busiest days by hour".

The department store would be offering specials and significant reductions across every department.

"We're offering a 60 per cent discount on women's clothing," he said. "Other areas which are really popular on Boxing Day for us are toys, beauty and fragrances."

Newbolds Masterton salesman Mark Heginbothom was preparing for their busiest day of the year.

He said they were expecting to sell many remote control cars and helicopters which had become popular in the past two years, and range in price from about $30 up to $150.

Paper Plus Masterton owner Russell Carthew said people often queued at the door to take advantage of their Boxing Day sales. He expected they would get rid of most of their Christmas stock, which would be heavily discounted, as well as a few popular titles.

These include Sonny Bill Williams: The Story of Rugby's New Superstar, which will be on sale for $9.99, Christchurch 22.2: Beyond the Cordon for $14.99 and Castlepoint: The Story of Life on an Iconic New Zealand Sheep and Cattle Station for $12.99.

"It's always a big day for us and it's a fun day," said Mr Carthew.

Hedley's Bookshop owner David Hedley said they had a busy trading week and expected the high number of shoppers to last over Boxing Day. He expected Wairarapa books to sell, as well as chef Peta Mathias' book Culinary Adventures in Marrakech at a special price of $19.99, especially after her recent visit to the region.

Toyworld Masterton owner Marie-Therese Evans was skipping the Boxing Day rush and would be closed today but would have discounts in store tomorrow.

She expected to be busy, and was offering 20 to 50 per cent off toys. Popular toys were Lego, Sylvanian Families and wooden Thomas the Tank Engine toys which ranged from $10 upwards.