Shoppers hit Boxing Week sales as retailers push for post-holiday profits

Boxing Day has evolved into more than just a one-day shopping event with many retailers stretching their deals well into January.

Giant sale signs dominate storefronts, showcasing eye-catching discounts and enticing shoppers looking to snag some post-holiday deals.

Many retailers depend heavily on the holiday season for their annual success, with seasonal pop-up stores especially focused on clearing inventory.

“It’s a very big week for us,” said Heather Hood with Hickory Farms. “We’re hoping to do a ton of sales this week. We are actually staying open until January 8. We are going to be a clearance store for all the other stores in Ontario, so we’ll have lots of great items coming through.”

Gift card redemptions are also driving post-Christmas spending as many look to cash in their cards.

Meanwhile, retailers are navigating new economic factors, including the recent federal GST break and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs.

“The wild card here is that this threat of impending tariffs, whether they be tariffs on Chinese goods or American goods, could potentially mean that retailors are really looking to blow out inventory so that they can get new inventory in before those potential tariffs take effect,” said retail analyst Doug Stevens.

With extended sales and discounts, many retailers hope to make Boxing Week a multi-weekend event, capitalizing on shoppers eager to spend.