Launceston set for big Boxing Day sales

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.

Several stores around the Central Business District and across the city will be participating in the sales, with shoppers ready to grab a bargain and spend some of their Christmas money.

Launceston's CBD Edge manager Maddison Wadley said every year the shop would maintain a line from the register to sometimes out the door on Boxing Day.

"The sale we're running will be buy one, get one-half price, which we've been running all December but the difference being everything is going to be further reduced," she said.

"We've got lots of stuff more than 50 per cent off already so there's going to be some pretty big discounts here.

"We've got a full team that work that day, there's usually six of us on, it's pretty chaotic but it's good though, we sort of strive off that I suppose."

IN OTHER NEWS:

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.

Despite online sales expected to increase, the city's CBD was teaming with people on Christmas Eve fitting in some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Visitors from Queensland, Brent and Emma Neale were two of the people frequenting the CBD and Brisbane Street Mall before lunch on December 24.

The pair said even though they had only finished their shopping on Christmas Eve they would be back out on Boxing Day for more.

Mr Neale said the plan was to brave the city's crowds once more on December 26 for the sales but this year brought a first for him.

"We're on holidays... this is the first time I've ever worn a jumper in December in Australia," he said.

We're raising funds for four Tasmanian charities as part of our Empty Stocking Appeal. Can you help?