This year, the owners of independent Kepler Street retailer Moss Interiors and the Flower Gallery decided to stay open on the public holiday for the first time.

Owner Brett Jensen said it was the right decision, with a steady crowd of shoppers taking advantage of sales to pick up big-ticket homeware items including lamps, vases and prints.

Warrnambool Harvey Norman owner Jayadeep Johnson said sales had been fantastic throughout the day and better than previous years.

Mr Johnson said he believed the sales boost was in part due to the store making an effort to ensure it had sufficient stock.

TVs, freezers and small electronic items were some of the most popular purchases for shoppers.

Mr Johnson said the challenge of people shopping online was less of a threat to his business because the store will beat any legitimate online price.

“People are more aware that they can just walk in with an online price and know they can have it matched,” he said.

Shoppers were out and about on the newly-renovated Liebig Street throughout the day.

Mark Wilson and Leanne Braddick, from Barwon Heads, spent time scouring camping and outdoors shops including Aussie Disposals and Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Ms Braddick said they wandered up to get a coffee and decided to take advantage of discounted items to prepare for a big trip they were planning up to the Northern Territory and Queensland mid-next year.

The pair said they were spending Christmas in Warrnambool.

“I just wanted to go for a walk and get out of the house but then we saw the sales signs and decided to wander around and find some stuff,” Ms Braddick said.

Warrnambool Kathmandu manager Mel Phillips said the shop had been busy since opening on Tuesday morning, with between 40 and 60 per cent off usual prices across the board.

“We’re on par with last year,” she said.

“There are a lot doing online shopping, but Boxing Day is still one of our biggest days for the year.”