Only days after the pre-Christmas splurge, retailers are predicting strong trade today with a number of stores opening early to accommodate credit card-wielding shoppers.

Party dresses, chocolates, bath towels, cosmetics and unsold Christmas goods have all been heavily discounted at Warrnambool region stores with queues expected outside some shop-fronts, mirroring last year’s trend.

Priceline retail manager Elisha O’Rourke said Boxing Day was one of the health store’s biggest trading days with a queue forming along Liebig Street last year.

She said discounts on fragrances, Cover Girl make-up, skin care gift packs and Christmas sweets would attract shoppers today.

“Last year we had people queuing right along the main street — there were dozens and dozens of people,” Ms O’Rourke said. 

“Everybody loves a bargain, so it doesn’t surprise me that people take their shopping seriously. Plus being a public holiday, people have the time to shop.”

More than $2 billion is expected to be spent by shoppers nationwide today, according to Australian Retailers Association (ARA). The organisation expects the average Australian to spend $850 over the coming fortnight in what is a peak period for retailers.

Mix and Pitstop stores manager Lea Watson said many south-west fashionistas updated their look on Boxing Day ahead of the summer party season.

She said khaki and canvas pants were popular with men and playsuits and stylish skirts were hot items for women.

“We travel to Melbourne every week to assess the trends and there are some great looks heading into summer for both the guys and girls,” Ms Watson said.

“For the girls, playsuits, crop-top dresses and some beautiful party dresses are in season and a lot of the ladies are preparing for summer parties by buying this week. For the guys, its been all about fashionable shorts and khaki-style pants.”

Spotlight store manager Sherree King said the Warrnambool store would open early and had extended trading hours for Boxing Day.

“It’s such a strong day for shopping. We’re open from 8am to 9pm and people are here right through the whole day,” she said.

“The main areas of interest are 40 per cent off all fabrics, floor rugs are at half price, 40 per cent off sheet sets, 40 per cent off bath towels ... the list goes on.”

Barbecues and outdoor leisure equipment has been the big growth areas in pre-Christmas spending, according to data from the ARA.

ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said the 2013 Boxing Day sales were a marked improvement on previous years, with sluggish economic conditions deterring shoppers five or six years ago.

The industry body also found perfume and aftershave, dresses and skirts as well as trousers were popular festive season items, largely due to changing fashion trends ahead of summer.

However, sales have declined in some areas such as electrical goods, female sportswear and several whitegood lines.