Is Boxing Day shopping still a thing in Vancouver? The answer is …

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It used to be Boxing Day sales meant big lineups and big savings on coveted products, especially electronics. Retailers used the sales to move items not sold before Christmas and customers would line up (sometimes overnight!) to snap up something they wanted at a steep discount.

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But with much earlier Black Friday sales and a move to online, is Boxing Day shopping still a thing in Metro Vancouver?

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Here’s a look at what’s happening around the area:

The view from downtown Vancouver: A timeline

Our Arts & Life editor, Aleesha Harris, is out hunting down some Boxing Day bargains. She started early in downtown Vancouver before heading out (unsuccessfully) to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Here’s a timeline of the trip:

8:30 a.m.: It’s pretty quiet at Pacific Centre Mall.

By 9 a.m., it wasn’t much busier on the streets downtown:

10 a.m.: Found the shoppers … they are at Lululemon on Robson Street.

11 a.m.: Foot traffic is picking up on Robson Street while there’s a break in the rain.

11:20 a.m.: Back at Vancouver’s Pacific Centre, traffic has picked up considerably.

Leaving downtown Vancouver, heading to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Richmond:

12:30 p.m.: Traffic is insanely snarled around the outlets. Police have entrance to only one way. It’s wild. I gave up. If you had a flight, you would be pulling your hair out. All bridges nearby are crawling.

Keep scrolling for more from dispatches from McArthurGlen, including tips if you’re headed there to shop or going to the airport.

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Going to Vancouver airport or McArthurGlen today? Expect crowds and delays

Vancouver airport is advising travellers — and shoppers — to expect heavy traffic and possible delays on Boxing Day.

Photographer Jason Payne made it to McArthurGlen earlier today and sent in these photos:

And here are some tips from YVR for those headed to or from the airport and mall today:

• If you’re flying or picking someone up at the airport, you’re encouraged to use Canada Line. If you have to drive, leave early and have a plan for parking ahead of time. Pre-booking can be done at yvr.ca/parking.

• Boxing Day shoppers are also urged to take Canada Line. McArthurGlen is steps away from Canada Line’s Templeton Station. Drivers are warned to expect delays getting to and from the designer outlet centre.

READ MORE HERE.

The scene from West 4th in Kitsilano

Vancouver’s West 4th shopping strip in Kitsilano — between Vine and Burrard streets — was busy on Boxing Day.

In particular, shoppers were targeting high-end outdoor retailers like Lululemon, Fjällraven, Arc’teryx and Patagonia.

North Vancouver streets quiet but Park Royal Mall very busy

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On the North Shore, Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards District were quiet, with most shoppers at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver.

“The last thing I want to do after Christmas is battle throngs of shoppers,” Fran Campbell said, between sips of her latte at Shipyards Coffee.

Five kilometres to the west, however, it was a different story.

According to its website, Park Royal has 5,000 parking spots, but not one of them were empty during 40 minutes of driving around both north and south parkades as part of a long parade of vehicles and their frustrated drivers.

What’s open and what’s closed today?

After many retailers closed their brick-and-mortar stores on Christmas Day, doors are open again for customers to shop Boxing-Day prices. HERE’S A LIST of what’s open (and still closed) today.

Looking for some good deals online?

Our Shopping Essentials team has compiled the best Boxing Day sales in Canada overall, and on Amazon in particular.

You can read the lists HERE and HERE.

3 best tips to make the most of Boxing Day shopping

Boxing Day has long been synonymous with incredible sales and bargain hunting, and a prime opportunity to grab items at significantly reduced prices. However, navigating these sales requires a strategic approach to ensure you’re getting the best deals without falling into the common traps.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS from Peta Wales, President and CEO of the Credit Counselling Society, and a weekly personal finance columnist with The Province.

— With file from Gordon McIntyre

vanweb@postmedia.com

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