Despite rising interest rates and an economy still emerging from the global financial crisis, the annual Boxing Day sales drew record crowds to Ballarat shopping centres.

Bargain hunters shook off their post-Christmas hangovers bright and early Saturday, lining up outside the city's department stores before they opened their doors at 7am.

Bridge Mall centre manager John Marios said traders were reporting their strongest Boxing Day sales figures ever.

"It was absolutely fabulous, very, very busy," Mr Marios said.

"It was by far our busiest Boxing Day ever. From 8.30am the Big W car park and the Little Bridge St car park were both near full.

"A lot of stores were up on last year.

"There were some that had perhaps not had the best of trade leading up to Christmas but Saturday and Christmas Eve have really made a big difference."

Mr Marios said bargain hunters were seeking out specials from a wide variety of stores, with fashion, footwear, homewares and home entertainment the most sought after items.

Ballarat's two largest shopping centres, Stockland Wendouree and Central Square, also reported full car parks and large, eager crowds forming before their doors opened.

Commerce Ballarat vice-chairwoman Barb O'Dwyer said strong sales were just the injection retailers needed after a sluggish lead-up to Christmas.

"The general consensus is that it has been a little bit softer this year," she said.

"Most were hoping to match last year's figure, but the general consensus around retailers is that without that government stimulus payment we had going into last year, it was softer.

"But we are cautiously optimistic we're pulling out of that recession and we are hoping 2010 will be a time when we can all at least maintain our sales."