Crowds, gift cards drive Boxing Day shopping across HRM

Boxing Day deals brought shoppers out in droves, with malls being packed full of people looking to score a deal.

Boxing Day shoppers packed malls and shopping districts across the Halifax region on Saturday. Many used gift cards and were hunting for post-holiday deals, though some questioned whether the discounts were worth the crowds.

At the Halifax Shopping Centre, shoppers said Boxing Day remains a tradition.

“I just got lots of gift cards for Christmas, so I’m just coming here,” one shopper said.

Others said they were focused on buying clothing and cosmetics, adding that the discounts varied store to store.

“Some are good, and then some are like, ‘that could be better,’” another shopper said, describing the sales as hit or miss.

Crowds were a common theme among shoppers at the mall.

“It’s packed in here – it’s really bust, and it’s making me overstimulated,” one shopper said.

Parking added to the challenge, with several shoppers saying it took time to find a spot.

“Parking was super tough. It took us 15 to 20 minutes to just get a parking spot.”

Across the harbour at Dartmouth Crossing, shoppers reported similar conditions. Some said they were hoping to find items they didn’t receive for Christmas, including winter clothing.

“Trying to get some good deals, looking for particular things that we wanted to get that we didn’t get for Christmas.”

However, others questioned whether the discounts were any better than usual sales.

“I find the sales are no different than any other time of the year really,” one shopper said.

Parking remained a challenge at the outdoor shopping district as well.

“We circled around probably three or four times before we landed a parking spot,” one shopper said.

While opinions on sales varied, many shoppers said simply getting out of the house was part of the appeal of Boxing Day, even as some acknowledged that online shopping may be an easier option moving forward.

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