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Boxing Day shopping still draws crowds, but what people are buying is changing.
While televisions remain a staple of post-holiday sales, local retailers say turntables and home audio systems are among this year’s surprise standouts.
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At Audio Warehouse in Regina, staff say more customers are choosing to invest in how they listen to music, not just what they watch.
“Turntables, believe it or not, are very popular,” said Jay Perkowitsch, who works at the audio retailer.
“They’re getting more and more popular every year. I’m doing more turntables now than I did 20 years ago, 30 years ago.”
Perkowitsch said the shift reflects a broader change in how people want to experience music. Instead of relying solely on streaming services and headphones, many shoppers are returning to simpler setups, a turntable, two speakers and dedicated listening time at home.
He said audio has been steadily regaining ground, with customers looking for systems that offer better sound quality and a more intentional way to enjoy albums front to back.
Boxing Day itself also looks different from how it used to be.
Perkowitsch said shoppers are no longer lining up early in the morning or panic-buying whatever is on sale. Instead, most customers arrive informed and focused.
“Shoppers are a lot more educated now,” he said. “They know what they’re looking for. Our job is more to guide them and make sure what they’re buying actually solves their problem.”
That shift is partly driven by online research, which Perkowitz said has reduced in-store browsing but increased follow-through. While fewer people walk through the door than in decades past, those who do are more likely to make a purchase.
Economic pressures are also shaping buying habits. Perkowitsch said customers are prioritizing needs over impulse purchases, especially as household budgets tighten.
“If you need something, you’re generally going to get it,” he said, adding that not every purchase has to be high-end. “There are things that fit all sorts of budgets.”
He said many purchases are driven by replacement equipment that has broken, become outdated or is no longer supported, rather than by luxury upgrades.
Perkowitsch also pointed to a lesser-known factor affecting Boxing Day pricing. He said many electronics prices are now set by manufacturers, meaning shoppers often see the same price regardless of where they buy.
Because of that, he said local retailers compete by offering service, product knowledge and long-term support rather than simply trying to undercut big-box stores.
Audio Warehouse, which has been operating in Regina for about 60 years, has seen multiple retail trends come and go. Perkowitsch said the renewed interest in vinyl stands out because it reflects how people want to slow down and engage with music again.
“It’s about solutions, not boxes,” he said.
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