Predictions by the National Retail Association that Aussie consumers have spent $2.28 billion on Boxing Day this year, represents the highest in Australia’s retail history.

NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said shoppers this year were on track to spend around $100 million more than Boxing Day last year – an increase of 4.2 per cent.

The NRA said New South Wales shoppers were predicted to take home first prize with a spend of more than $741 million, with Victorian shoppers second on more than $712 million.

“The Boxing Day sales are the biggest event for the retail industry each year, and our retailers are excited for a huge day on the back of strong sales right throughout the pre-Christmas trading period,” she said.

The NRA is expected to see Boxing Day sales increases on 2015 in every state and territory, however 2016 is the second year in a two-year trial period for widespread Boxing Day trade in NSW.

“We expect consumers to again embrace the more relaxed trading hours and locations in NSW on December 26, which is a critical day for retailers,” she said.

“Retailers, landlords and, most importantly, consumers, have really embraced the trial period, so we will do all we can to work with the Government to ensure widespread trading on Boxing Day is retained on a more permanent basis from 2017.

“We think the strong support we’ve seen from consumers speaks for itself,” she said.

Scentre Group’s Group General Manager, Centre Experience, John Warn, said over two million shoppers were expected to visit Westfield shopping centres around Australia on Monday.

“Off the back of a solid Christmas period and widespread pre-Christmas offers, our retailers tell us there will be heavy discounts to come on Boxing Day and into the new year sales period across all categories,” Warn said.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.