Bargain hunt half the fun

Seasoned Christmas shoppers Lyn Austin and friend Rona Jerrie have been shopping as a team for years.

They like to shop together for Christmas bargains and have a chat along the way, they said.

"We like each other's company, and it's good to discuss with a friend what you're buying."

This year had been a real red letter year for picking up bargains, they said.

"I was just amazed that if you look around, just how cheap you can get things. You have got to have the time to shop when the bargains are hot... and they have been this year.

"I've bought beautiful perfume for less than half price, lovely jandals for just $2... it's been very exciting," Mrs Austin said.

The two women said their shopping expeditions had been very interesting and they had managed to finish their Christmas shopping a week before the big day.

Both women were off to see family for Christmas Day and were looking forward to another happy occasion with family and friends.

"Christmas is a lovely time, we really like it," they said.