Retailers expecting major boost from boxing day sales

One of Australia's leading retail groups is predicting a Boxing Day sales record this year.

The National Retail Association has forecast shoppers will spend $2.62 billion on Thursday, with all retail segments expected to be up on last year's sales.

The two most populous states, NSW and Victoria, are both expected to see more than $800 million go through the checkouts, NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said today.

"Bargain prices can be found across retail brands of all shapes and sizes, but we also recommend that shoppers

do their homework before embarking on the shops," she added.

Online shopping will be the major mover this year according, to the NRA which is forecasting internet spending to increase by more than 23 per cent on last year to $655 million.

After a difficult year for retailers in-store the holiday season comes as a welcome boost to business.

Major retailers in CBDs around Australia have been running 'non-stop shop' trading hours since yesterday, to boost sales from last-minute shoppers before stores close on Christmas Day. 

The Sydney Fish Market is mid-way through its 36-hours seafood marathon expected to attract more than 100,000 people.

The markets are expecting to sell 130 tonnes of prawns before they close at 5pm today.

People have been urged to use public transport to avoid traffic around the markets today with the biggest crows expected in the late afternoon.