With high unemployment and a sour economy, many consumers are being forced to reduce unnecessary expenses and save money. While scouring the newspapers, circulars and online ads for the latest-and-greatest steals-and-deals, several annual events provide a plethora of bargains for holiday shoppers.
For American consumers, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is an annual event that marks the official kickoff of the holiday season. Cyber Monday, the annual online shopping extravaganza, is held a few days later. But for Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom consumers, the shopping event of the year is held the day after Christmas on Boxing Day.
Boxing Day History
While the exact origins are unclear, many believe Boxing Day began in England years ago, under Queen Victoria’s reign. Employers distributed money, food or other practical goods in small boxes to those less fortunate or those in the service industry. Others believe Boxing Day began when employers allowed servants to take portions of leftover Christmas food to their families. Some believe Boxing Day originated in the Church, where parishioners would leave money in alms boxes during the holiday season. On the day after Christmas, the boxes were opened and the money was given to the needy.
Although Boxing Day is an annual holiday that still focuses on giving, for many people, Boxing Day signifies the beginning of the post-Christmas sale season. In some countries, Boxing Day is a bank holiday. Many online and offline retailers offer promotional events, big sales and bargains galore! While Boxing Day is typically celebrated on December 26th, if the day falls on a non-working day, Boxing Day is normally observed the following Monday.
Boxing Day 2010 Spectacular Sales and Deals
If all that Christmas cash is burning a hole in your pocket, here’s your chance to get some great bargains online and off!
- Walmart’s 2010 Boxing Week Blowout – Select Walmart stores in Canada will open at 6:00 A.M. December 26, 2010. Just a few of the Boxing Week sales include a 32” Sony Bravia LCD HDTV for $338, Sony Blu-ray Player for $86, Acer 15.6” Notebook for $378 or TomTom GO GPS for $98. All Christmas items will be on sale for 50 percent off. Boxing Week continues all week long, through December 31, 2010.
- Sears Boxing Day Flyer – Sears is not only offering some fabulous sales this Boxing Day, but is also offering a Price Match Guarantee as well. Check out the great prices on all sorts of appliances, furniture, mattresses, snowblowers, tools and more.
- Best Buy Boxing Day 2010 – Best Buy will open its doors at 7:00 A.M. on December 26th. The retailer is also offering its Best Buy Boxing Day 2010 Online Sale from December 24th through December 27th, 2010. Free shipping to anywhere in Canada will be included on many online purchases.
- Zellers Boxing Day Flyer 2010 – Zellers opens at 7:00 A.M. on December 26th. Some of the sale items include a 32” LG HG LCD TV for $378, LG Blu-ray Player for $98, Buy One, 50 percent discount on select outerwear, fashion boots, footwear, sleepwear, slippers and holiday items.
- Bath and Body Works Sale – If you are looking for some great deals on candles, lotions, shower gels and fragrances for your home, Bath and Body Works is offering up to 75 percent discount on select items.
- Blockbuster Boxing Week Deals – If you love movies, be sure to check out Blockbuster’s great Boxing Day deals valid from December 25 to January 2, 2011. Movies on DVDs or Blu-ray, Wii’s, calendars, XBOX and more are all on sale at Blockbuster.
It is important to note, only select stores may participate in the annual Boxing Day event. Some stores may also include certain restrictions including no rain checks or substitutions.
Boxing Day not only provides an excellent opportunity for retailers to clean out holiday and seasonal items, but also offers a plethora of steals-and-deals for shoppers too.
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