While initial predictions suggested that retail sales over the holidays would decrease due to the lingering HST, surprisingly, BC residents were still out in full-force to take advantage of Boxing Day blow-out sales.

According to recent reports, retailers saw a surge of sales on Boxing Day by BC residents. It was anticipated that because of an overall low-consumer confidence that sales would decrease but as Wynne Powell, CEO of London Drugs Richmond stores assessed, the economy as a whole continues to gain strength “[...] but people have been lacking confidence to spend money.”

Big chain stores such as Best Buy also saw increases on Boxing Day and saw strong sales throughout the month of December leading up to Boxing Day week.

And while store owners were enjoying an influx in sales, mobile traffic for online retailers saw more than a 100 per cent increase over last year. With the surge in purchasing iPads in 2011, online shopping increased generating 7 per cent of online sales just on iPads. Other mobile traffic was up by 18 per cent overall. Moneris reports transactions were up 6 per cent from last year encompassing debit and credit transactions.

Restaurants also served more guests than last year over the holiday season despite the HST controversy applied to bills. The combination of large Christmas parties and out of town visitors to restaurants especially in larger centers was felt especially in the urban areas.

Although sales were strong in BC over the holidays as consumers continued to enjoy sales even after Boxing week, retailers are expecting the normal two-month slump in consumer spending in 2012. As a means of combating the usual January to February slump many restaurants are instituting meal deals while retailers are bringing in promotions and new merchandise to entice consumers. Most store owners anticipate that sales will be down until Valentine’s Day and have planned accordingly.

Despite the HST in British Columbia, residents made up 28 per cent of Boxing Day sales across the country.