Once upon a time, Boxing Day meant one thing: you circled items in the paper, made a plan, put on decent shoes and joined the crowds. There was a sense of occasion about it — the early start, the queues, the quiet satisfaction of finding exactly what you wanted at a genuinely good price.
These days, things are not quite so clear.
With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, mid-year sales, flash sales and “members-only” offers popping up every few weeks, it’s fair to ask whether Boxing Day sales are still the gold standard of bargain shopping – or just another noisy entry in an already crowded calendar.
The answer, like most things, is: it depends on how you approach it.
What Boxing Day Sales Still Do Well
Boxing Day remains particularly strong for clearance stock. Retailers want Christmas inventory gone – seasonal clothing, homewares, electronics bundles and end-of-line models are often reduced more aggressively than at other times of the year.
This is especially true for:
Clothing and footwear
Homewares and small appliances
TVs and electronics nearing model updates
Bed linen, towels and décor
If you’re happy to shop for value rather than novelty, Boxing Day can still deliver excellent results.
In-Store vs Online: Which Is Better?
In-store shopping
For many people over 60, shopping in-store has advantages:
You can see, touch and try items
Staff are often more flexible with clearance pricing
You avoid delivery delays and returns
But there are downsides: crowds, queues, noise and the simple fact that standing around for hours is nobody’s idea of festive recovery.
Best for: Clothing, shoes, furniture, bedding — anything where fit, feel or quality matters.
Online shopping
Online Boxing Day sales are now just as prominent – sometimes starting Christmas Eve or running for days.
Pros include:
Shopping at your own pace
Easy price comparisons
No crowds or parking stress
Cons? Stock sells out fast, return processes can be fiddly, and discounts aren’t always as deep as they appear.
Best for: Electronics, repeat purchases, brands you already trust.
Are Boxing Day Sales Still Better Than Black Friday?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to favour electronics and big international brands, often with eye-catching headline discounts. But they rarely focus on clearance – many items are discounted temporarily, not permanently reduced.
Boxing Day, on the other hand, is about making room. Retailers want shelves cleared for the new year, which means deeper cuts on older stock.
In short:
Black Friday: Best for tech, gadgets and impulse deals
Boxing Day: Best for quality basics, home items and thoughtful purchases
A Smart Boxing Day Strategy (That Doesn’t Involve Exhaustion)
The most successful shoppers aren’t the fastest – they’re the most prepared.
1. Decide what you actually need
A list saves money. If you go in looking for “a bargain”, you’ll find one – whether you needed it or not.
2. Research prices beforehand
Know the usual price so you can spot a real discount. Not all “50% off” signs are created equal.
3. Shop early – but not frantically
The best stock often goes early, but many retailers drop prices further in the days that follow.
4. Mix online and in-store
Buy bulky or known items online. Save in-store visits for things you need to see or try.
5. Watch the return policy
Clearance often comes with conditions. If returns matter to you, check before buying.
So, Are Boxing Day Sales Still Worth It?
Yes – if you approach them with intention rather than urgency.
Boxing Day is no longer the only major sale of the year, but it remains one of the best times to buy well-made, practical items at genuine discounts. The trick is resisting the noise and focusing on value, not volume.
Because the best Boxing Day purchase isn’t the cheapest thing you can find – it’s the one you’ll still be using next Christmas.
And that’s a sale worth shopping for.
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