Retailers are bracing themselves for another huge Boxing Day Sales period. Source: News Limited

Boxing Day kicks off the post-Christmas sales spree in which the Australian Retailers Association says we will collectively spend $2.7 billion on household goods, $1.2 billion on clothing and $1.04 billion at department stores before mid-January.

Almost every retailer will have something on sale, often at half-price or better, and unlike the midyear stocktake sales it all starts on the one day, so here’s our guide to get the biggest bang for your buck and make sure you don’t blow your dough.

RESEARCH AND PLAN

The internet is a great tool for researching deals and buying goods. With a few clicks you can compare prices and specials on most retailers’ sites.

Remember that some of the fattest newspapers in Australia appear on Boxing Day, packed with catalogue items. Myer executive general manager of stores Tony Sutton says shoppers can find one-day specials in the newspaper catalogues.

GET IN EARLY

If you’re especially eager, or perhaps want to escape some family members, you can begin shopping on Christmas Day. Many retailers start their Boxing Day sales on December 25, usually with the same discounts you will find in-store, although there may be delivery charges.

Sutton says store shoppers shouldn’t be worried that the online crowd will beat them to bargains. “We are pretty well practised at this and we make sure there’s enough stock online and in all the stores,” he says.

While Boxing Day morning is busy at Myer stores, the afternoon is even busier, Sutton says.

BEST THINGS TO BUY

There are genuine savings of up to 70 per cent across a wide range of men’s and women’s apparel, youthwear, footwear, accessories and homewares, Sutton says.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman expects big discounts “in clothing and footwear, because it has struggled over the last few months”.

Womens shoes are always “huge”, while the younger generation is looking for anything with a screen, he says.

Gone are the days of crowds clamouring for “killer” discounts on a few big-ticket items, Zimmerman says. Today’s post-Christmas sales are much broader, with discounts in almost every department.

WORDS OF ADVICE

Boxing Day is a good day to unleash the gift cards you receive as Christmas presents because the dollars on them will generally stretch further.

David Jones executive retail operations Aaron Faraguna says the retailer expects more than one million customers through its doors on Thursday.

“Make a list, have a plan and map of the store, wear comfortable shoes and get in early to avoid disappointment,” he says.

Zimmerman says shoppers should understand what they want, know the price and know what they’re prepared to pay.

“No bargain is a bargain unless it’s wanted,” he says.

NOT SO HAPPY RETURNS

Retailers don’t have to refund your purchase if you make a mistake, although some will.

“When you are buying, check with the retailer what their returns policy is. Some will say ‘no refunds if you change your mind’ so be certain of what you want,” Zimmerman says.