Shoppers across the South West urged to be vigilant this Boxing Day
Our region's Federation of Small Businesses is offering advice to people
The mince pies are eaten, the turkey trimmings are ready to be made into tasty sandwiches - and now, it's time for the Boxing Day sales to commence across the South West... but the message this year is to be extra vigilant when hunting out for those deals.
However, with many of us shopping online now, and price drops happening earlier and earlier - we're being told that what was once an iconic event isn't as big as it used to be.
We're catching up with Swindon's Nationwide Building Society, as those inevitable online sales ramp up.
Mark Nalder, who works at their base in the Borough, says simply: if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
He told us: "Going back about 10 or 15 years, the Boxing Day Sales was a huge thing - and today would be the start of those huge price drops - but now, it's not really the same.
"For instance, Black Friday now starts in the middle of November, and I'm sure we've seen sales for Boxing Day on our TV screens already.
"What we always tell our customers, today, or any day - there's definitely bargains to be had, but if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
"On Boxing Day, almost two thirds of transactions are made online - but people are going out and about still, with lots of money being spent on fuel and in restaurants."
Although the crowds can get overwhelming for some, people are being encouraged to support local shops.
The Federation of Small Businesses works across the South West - and they say it's a special occasion.
Sam Holliday, who represents the FSB in the South West told us: "Traditionally, Boxing Day is the biggest day of the year for business, but it doesn't draw quite as much attention these days.
"But for our local businesses, it's still a vital day in the calendar - and our message is go out and support local, if you're thinking of splashing the cash during this 'Twixmas period.
"It's a really important day, and shopping local is great for the economy... And anything that's great for the economy is ultimately great for local people."
According to Nationwide, though, if you're going out, make sure you know what you're paying for.
They say ‘Card not present’ fraud, which relates to remote purchases of goods and services accounts for nearly a quarter (22%) of all fraud cases in 2024.
Jim Winters, Head of Economic Crime at Nationwide said: “Fraudsters will capitalise on any event and Black Friday is no exception.
"As our data shows, old school fraud hasn’t gone away and continues to be the most prevalent, meaning we all need to be extra vigilant at this time of year, whether spending online or in store.
"While anyone subjected to ‘card not present’ fraud will generally be refunded, it’s extremely inconvenient and stressful, particularly around Christmas. That’s why it’s so important people check their accounts regularly, use safe and trusted sites and stop and think when you see a ridiculously good deal, as it's probably too good to be true.”
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