Chaotic scenes have unfolded at shopping centres across Australia as bargain hunters descended for the annual Boxing Day sales, with nationwide spending predicted to surge past a staggering $3.1 billion.
Pandemonium at the Outlets
Video footage from outside the DFO outlet in Melbourne captured the scale of the frenzy, showing thousands of shoppers queuing in long lines that snaked around the block, all hoping to secure post-Christmas discounts. Social media posts described the scene as packed and chaotic, with one shopper noting they had "stayed for the queues". The food court was similarly inundated with people seeking a brief respite from the crowds.
The public reaction to the images was sharply divided. Many online commentators criticised those waiting, labelling it a monumental waste of time. "What could you possibly only get at DFO that you can't just buy online. I couldn't think of anything worse," one person remarked. Others questioned the value of the discounts, with one shopper stating that a TV they bought on Black Friday was now $40 more expensive during the Boxing Day event.
However, defenders argued it was a personal choice. "I don't see anyone causing any trouble, they're just shopping," one comment read, while another pointed out shoppers were simply "minding their own business trying to find a bargain". The sales at the Melbourne DFO are scheduled to run from 26 to 28 December.
A Nation Ready to Spend
The queues come as new research from comparison website Finder reveals that more than seven million Australians planned to participate in the Boxing Day sales. This indicates a significant portion of the population is still driven by the tradition of in-person bargain hunting after Christmas Day.
Experts Issue Urgent Scam Alert
As shoppers rush to spend, experts are warning them to be equally vigilant against a parallel surge in financial scams. According to the Australian Banking Association, Australians have lost approximately $40 million to buying and selling scams in the past year, with nearly two-thirds having encountered a shopping scam.
The most common tactics include fake order confirmations, where victims receive a message about a non-existent purchase and are tricked into clicking a malicious link. Social media shopping scams, where sellers disappear after receiving payment, are also frequent.
Simon Birmingham, head of the banking association, warned that scammers are now employing artificial intelligence to mimic legitimate businesses and ensnare more victims. "Double-check you're purchasing from a legitimate website and watch out for text messages about missed deliveries, as this is a common way for scammers to get you to hand over personal or financial details," he advised.
The message is clear for those hunting for deals: while the crowds in physical stores may be daunting, the digital landscape presents its own set of risks that require careful navigation during this peak spending period.
