Bargain hunters bring Ballarat streets to life

The sun was shining, parking spots were scarce and the streets were dotted with people loaded up with shopping bags.

Inside Ballarat's stores hundreds of people were in search of a bargain.

In Myer the women's shoes section and the Christmas accessories area were big draw cards.

Myer Ballarat manager Craig Rees said the store enjoyed a very good day of trading.

It opened its doors at 8am for the first time in many years.

"It has been busy from the word go," Mr Rees said.

"People were here straight away and at 9.30am it was frantic."

All available Myer staff - four times the normal amount - were working yesterday to keep queues down.

Discounted Christmas decorations, cards and food were the most popular items to walk off the racks, he said.

Manchester, shoes and clothing also proved popular, Mr Rees said.

"This year compares really well to last year," he said.

"It's a lot more busy and a lot more people are coming in."

Shoppers said they were happy with the bargains on offer yesterday.

Ballarat resident Sheila Delahunt said she was after towels which she saw advertised.

"Target was very good value," Ms Delahunt said.

"But it was quite crowded and hard to get in and out."

Alex Sala, from Sydney, was in Ballarat to spend Christmas with family and decided to check out the sales.

He said the stores were not crowded compared to what Sydney's stores were like during sales.

Morena Fiusco, from Melbourne, was also visiting family in Ballarat when she checked out the sales.

She bought heavily discounted children's clothes and a doona.

"It was busy, but not as busy as Melbourne," she said.

"But, we still managed to get some good bargains."

Meanwhile, things were quieter at the Bridge Mall where only 20 out of 115 stores were open yesterday.

Most of the traders on the shopping strip choose to stay shut on Boxing Day to recognise the day as a family day, Bridge Mall Traders Association centre manager David Nolan said.

"Our big shopping day will be on the Friday (today)," Mr Nolan said.

"Most of our traders have chosen to start their major sales on that day."

A spokesperson from Wendouree Village was not available yesterday.