Shoppers are expected to spend $16.1 billion during post-Christmas sales from Boxing Day through to 15 January 2015.

Unsurprisingly, stores around Australia have been busy gearing up in preparation for the onslaught.

• Your rights when Christmas shopping 2014

“We’re expecting around one million customers will visit Myer stores on the first day of the Myer Stocktake sale,” a Myer spokesperson told The New Daily.

With thousands expected in stores today, arm yourself with our guide to where the biggest discounts are happening, as well as survival tricks from those in the know.

Discounts

Myer

• Discounts across all departments, including 50% off bedding, 50% off selected dinnerware and 30% off women’s footwear.

David Jones

• The department store will feature up to 60% off storewide.

• “It’s definitely worth waiting for,” a sales assistant told The New Daily.

Dick Smith

• Up to 25% off televisions, 50% off selected headphones, and 10% off Apple Mac computers.

Target

• Storewide discounts in store and online.

• Stores will open at 7am and close at 10pm, but trading hours could be extended.

The Iconic

• Currently up to 50% off men’s and women’s clothing online.

• The site will run a 48-hour Boxing Day sale from 8am on December 26.

Cotton On

• Currently 50% off original prices storewide.

Nine West

• Flash sale of 20% off storewide, ends December 27.

Sheridan

• Up to 50% off selected styles.

Country Road

• Up to 50% off selected styles, including homewares.

The Good Guys

• Discounts on fridges, televisions, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and kitchen appliances.

Kogan.com

• Up to 80% off selected items.

American Apparel

• Storewide 25% off original prices, ends December 28.

Trenery

• Up to 50% off selected styles.

Survival tips and tricks

Write a list and stick to it

Tom Godfrey from Choice.com.au advises you to avoid getting caught up in the hectic atmosphere of the sales.

“Retailers rely on you getting carried away,” he says.

Instead, write a list of what you actually need and don’t deviate from it.

Look online first

Just because it’s in the store in front of you, don’t assume it’s the best deal.

“It’s a good idea to do a price check online first, particularly for white goods and televisions,” Mr Godfrey says.

“Make sure if they’re claiming a Was/Now price that it really is reflective of the discount.”

Avoid debt

If you are using a credit card to pay for your purchases, ensure it has a low-interest rate.

“Those using cards from the big four banks are likely to be hit with high interest fees,” Mr Godfrey says.

“The last thing you want is debt hanging over you in the New Year.”

Skip the extended warranties

Under Australian consumer law, you have the right to a refund, repair or replacement should a product break.

Thus, extended warranties become virtually redundant.

“Our research shows that extended warranties aren’t worth it,” Mr Godfrey explains.

“Most of the benefits they provide you’re legally entitled to anyway.”

Don’t discount discount sites

“The Boxing Day sales are pretty good but now we have a lot of clearance and deal websites that provide year-round deals,” My Godfrey says.

“So if you miss out on a Boxing Day bargain don’t get too concerned.”

Focus on footwear and clothing

Russell Zimmerman, the head of the Australian Retailers’ Association, recommends focusing on footwear and clothing.

“That’s the one to watch because it’s weather-driven and retailers will not want to be left with much stock by the end of Boxing Day sales,” Mr Zimmerman says.

– with Ebony Bowden.