'A 1-stop-shop': How West Edmonton Mall retailers prepare for biggest shopping day of the year

With Christmas nearly in the books, shoppers and retailers are just getting warmed up for one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Some shoppers may find Boxing Day to be an unneeded money-spending event, whereas some may be looking to switch it up by purchasing gifts for themselves instead of others.

Whatever the case, shopping centres are going to be busy on Thursday.

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Danielle Woo, the general manager and executive vice president of tourism for West Edmonton Mall, spoke with CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday on what to expect during the Boxing Day rush.

"We're seeing this big resurgence of people coming back to the brick and mortar stores. Even if they're looking online to see what they want to purchase, they're coming in person to buy it," said Woo.

According to Woo, last year's Boxing Day was the busiest shopping day at the mall. She expects that trend to continue in 2024.

"We have 800 stores and services in the mall, it's such a large selection. We do have something for everybody … we've got so many things here in one place that it's just like a one-stop shop … I'm just seeing it getting stronger and stronger."

The mall will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Boxing Day, opening an hour earlier than normal to accommodate more shoppers in the morning.

Although there are many parking stalls at the mall, guests might have a hard time spotting a free space. Woo said guests can park their cars at the overflow parking lot located on 90 Street.

She also suggested that using rideshare services or carpooling with friends or family can cut down on how many cars are parked at the mall, making it easier for others to find a spot.

Even retailers and mall employees are taking on a little extra responsibility as more shoppers are expected to pour in.

"If stores are getting too busy, they will have a lineup outside of their stores that they will man .… They just want to make sure that anybody that's in the store is getting the right attention and a good experience," Woo said.

"As far as us, our guest services team is ready to help guests when they come to navigate them all on that day," she added.

Woo said that Boxing Day deals tend to remain for some time after the shopping holiday and that guests will still see those sales after Dec. 26.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti