Frigid temperatures did not stop bargain hunters from lining up in the early hours to snag massive deals on Boxing Day.
Shoppers mostly waited in their cars until the city’s popular electronic shops opened up at 6 a.m.
Best Buy computer supervisor Aaron Silver said when he arrived at the store at 4 a.m. the parking lot was packed with cars and trucks.
“Most people were waiting in their vehicles because it was very, very cold,” said Silver. “There were some people lining up. Boxing Day is a big day around here.”
Many shoppers were armed with flyers boasting the deals and ready to spend cash, credit or gift cards.
Silver said shoppers were taking advantage of the great deals on speakers, home theatre systems, laptops and tablets.
Silver said they will not know until later this week whether the sales were on par with last year’s Boxing Day tally.
Kyrie Blain and Rob Nuttall of Rocky Mountain House thought they would beat the rush when they arrived around 9 a.m. They were looking to pick up a couple big screen TVs and eBook Readers.
“They were sold out,” said Blain. “Now we have to go online to try to get a deal.”
Nuttall said they usually shop later in the day but thought they would try their luck earlier in the day when there is more stock.
Peter Thompson and Tom Cooper of Blackfalds estimated they saved hundreds of dollars when they purchased their iPad, speakers and DVDs.
“We probably spent about $1,800,” said Thompson.
Cooper said they always go shopping on Boxing Day to save some cash but they always end up spending more money.
“It’s worth coming early as long as they still have the stuff in stock,” said Cooper.
At the Bower Place Shopping Centre, shoppers started streaming in the doors a little after 8 a.m. when the mall opened. A steady flow of shoppers in and out of the mall’s shops throughout the day.
Kaylee George, 11, couldn’t wait to go shopping at the mall on Boxing Day with her mom, Tammy. They arrived at the mall around 11 a.m. Kaylee said she received some cash on Christmas and she wanted to spend it and save some cash at the same time.
Sisters Alexa, 15, and Angelica Andreeff, 16, were two of the first shoppers at Bower when they arrived at about 8:30 a.m. The sisters said they like to shop early so they can beat the crowds and comparison shop under one roof.
The Boxing Day retail frenzy continues in most stores all week.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com