Your guide to Boxing Day sales in Australia for 2023

Boxing Day sales are almost upon us.

For avid shoppers, bargain hunters and all those looking to refresh their wardrobe (or home, or beauty cupboard), we’ve got good news – Boxing Day sales are almost here. A longstanding Australian tradition, December 26 is the day to load up on Christmas leftovers and hit the shops, either IRL or from the comfort of your couch.

While for many brands, Boxing Day marks the start of the mega-sales, most extend well beyond December 26. Whether you’re making a day of it or scrolling your phone while nursing a Christmas hungover in the aircon, it’s the perfect time to spend your holiday gift cards and treat yourself to a ‘congrats on making it through the year’ pressie.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Everyone loves a good bargain, but for those who aren’t seasoned sales veterans, a massive event like Boxing Day can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. So, with one of the biggest annual sales approaching, here’s everything you need to know about Boxing Day sales in Australia for 2023 so you can go in prepared.

What is Boxing Day?

Put simply, Boxing Day is an Australian public holiday celebrated the day after Christmas. Dating back to 16th-century Britain, Boxing Day originated as a day to give service workers a ‘Christmas box’ as a thank-you for their hard work.

As Professor Constant Mews from the Centre for Religious Studies at Monash University told SBS Australia, “It was a gift of generosity, often to servants and tradespeople. That’s how it originated in the 16th and 17th centuries. And it wasn’t just to members of your own family, but to those who had helped you and who might be working absolutely every day of the week, except perhaps a little day off on Sundays.”

Now, it’s a day for relaxation, quality family time, sports and shopping – a much-needed recovery from Christmas Day. It’s the country’s biggest sale day of the year, both in-store and online. 2024 is expected to bring in over $4.6 billion (up 42 per cent from 2022), according to Commbank.

When do Boxing Day sales start and end?

Most Boxing Day 2023 sales land on Monday, December 25 in Australia, though you can expect to see some sales starting early and others extending across the weekend or to the Monday of the following week. Some retailers are extending sales well into January or while stock lasts – just check the fine print online before setting out for a day of shopping.

How should I prepare for Boxing Day sales?

To avoid spending regret, it’s best to always go into a big sale with a plan. Think about the gaps in your wardrobe, the electronics you’ve been meaning to replace and the beauty products you might be running out of. Make a list of items and stores to hit either online or in-store. If you are braving the IRL crowds, make sure to get there early – for serious shoppers, lining up for a Boxing Day sale is no joke.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to shop online, sign up for individual brand mailing lists or a general sales newsletter (like our very own here at Fashion Journal) to be the first to hear about exclusive discounts. Make sure to check return policies, shop consciously and always measure yourself if you’re unsure about sizing.

What stores are having Boxing Day sales in Australia?

Most brands are keeping their Boxing Day 2023 sales under wraps for now, but there are a select few that have already announced some incredible deals for seasoned shoppers ahead of the Christmas rush. See below a roundup of our favourite offerings:

• Deiji Studios: 20 per cent off sitewide and a further 20 per cent off selected sale items.
• Juem: 30 per cent off sitewide and a further 30 per cent off selected sale items.
• Poppy Lissiman: Up to 70 per cent off sale items.
• Jac + Jack: Up to 40 per cent sitewide.
• The Iconic: Up to 60 per cent off selected items.
• Adore Beauty: Up to 50 per cent off clearance items.
• Sheet Society: Up to 50 per cent off sale items.
• Lelo: Up to 40 per cent off sex toys.
• Denimsmith: 20 per cent off full-priced items.
• Sephora: Up to 60 per cent off sale.

If you’re a brand planning your own Boxing sales this year, we will be curating the best at Fashion Journal’s Sales page and across our newsletter. You can advertise your sale with us by heading here, clicking ‘Post a Sale’ in the top right and following the prompts.

Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.