Why you should avoid 'temptation' during Boxing Day sales

Early risers queued at shops across the country, and tills ticked over as stores slashed their prices.

David Jones store manager Monique Murray said Boxing Day was the biggest sale event of the year.

"We have savings across every category," she told A Current Affair.

She said there were savings of up to 30 per cent on high-profile clothing ranges including Tommy Hilfiger.

At Myer, 20 per cent was slashed from cosmetic brands MAC and Benefit.

Myer's executive general manager of stores Tony Sutton said they were expecting more than two million customers to visit a Myer store today.

"Today's our busiest trading day of the year so it's a very important day for us," he said.

Big W and JB Hi-Fi offered specials on electronics, with up to 25 per cent off TVs at the former.

For those heading back to school, Smiggle had 40 per cent off selected backpacks and lunch boxes, and 20 per cent off most full-priced stock.

Veronica Maine dropped a further 20 per cent off already-discounted items, while Seafolly had up to 40 per cent off selected swimwear.

And at Peter Alexander, pyjama shorts and tops are from $25 each, nighties from $49, and kids' pyjamas from $29.

But Finder.com.au's Kate Browne urged shoppers not to get carried away with enticing offers.

"Don't fall into that temptation," she said.

"It's particularly easy to do online. Make sure you really want the item, you know it's something you want, and plan ahead so you're actually getting the value."

Her other top tip for savvy shoppers was price-matching.

"Plenty of retailers will match a price if you find it online - JB Hi-Fi offer it, David Jones offer it, a bunch of whitegoods retailers offer it," she said.