Shoppers flock to Boxing Day sales – but more of us are now going online to buy

Online shopping is set to be the major market mover for this year's Boxing Day sales, accounting for a quarter of all revenue.

The first shoppers enter David Jones' Elizabeth Street store at 6am for Boxing Day sales. Source: AAP

Online shopping sales are forecast to skyrocket for Boxing Day, as shoppers take advantage of the annual sales.

The National Retail Association has predicted shoppers will spend $2.62 billion over the sale period, with a quarter of that being purchased online.

Forecast figures show online sales are set to increase by more than 23 per cent from last year, according to NRA CEO Dominique Lamb.

Shoppers in Pitt St Mall, Sydney. However, online shopping has accounted for a quarter of all revenue. Source: AAP

"Online we know that $655 million is going to be spent today," Ms Lamb told reporters in Brisbane.

"We know that our multi-channels and our pure-player online retailers are really taking advantage of Boxing Day."

One of the country's major department store brands, David Jones, is anticipating a surge in sales online from previous years.

Shoppers line up during Boxing Day sales in Pitt St Mall in Sydney. Source: AAP

Queensland regional manager Rowena Derksen said online sales could account for half of this year's revenue for the brand.

"Nationally we expect to have over a million through our doors today and we also expect to have the same number of people visit our website," she said.