Boxing Day shopping spree

Laura McKenzie-Edwards (left) and Shane Taylor grab some bargains at The Warehouse, Hastings. Photo / Duncan Brown

A superb summer's day didn't stop people hitting the Hawke's Bay shops hard on Boxing Day.

Paymark figures revealed that shoppers in Hawke's Bay spent $4.1 million on Boxing Day and $8.4m on Christmas Eve - a total of $12.5m in two days.

Paymark Chief executive Mark Rushworth said while Christmas Eve is always the biggest day of the year, Boxing Day gave the retailers an extra boost this year.

The spending spree was particularly strong in Hawke's Bay.

Mr Rushworh said the region had recorded strong annual growth with a 15.5 per cent increase on Boxing Day sales last year. Spending on Christmas Eve was up 6.1 per cent. The electronic payments company, which processes more than 75 per cent of the country's electronic figures said shoppers spent $151.7 m across the country on Boxing Day - 11.2 per cent increase in spending year on year.

People of all ages cashed in their gift cards, exchanged items and bought last-minute presents for loved ones.

Among them was Kaitaia local, Laura McKenzie-Edwards, who along with her partner spent almost four hours looking for bargains.

"We bought puzzles, outdoor equipment, home essentials and Christmas decorations.

"We didn't put a tree up this year, as we have been really busy being dairy farmers, so decided we might as well go and get some for next year," Miss McKenzie-Edwards said.

In total, her shopping spree granted her a $280 saving at Briscoes alone. She even splashed out on late Christmas presents to capitalise on the savings. "As well as The Warehouse, we went to Briscoes and bought a new set of pans and pots, jars for my partner's grandmother and a spice rack for my mum's birthday on January 7.

Kathmandu Hastings assistant manager, Peggy Scotton said they were very pleased with the result.

"It has been amazingly busy, with camping gear definitely our top selling item."

Similar scenes were experienced at the Number One Shoe Warehouse in Hastings.

Senior team manager, Tammy Farrell said their foot count had doubled since last year.