Boxing Day in 91原创 isn鈥檛 the mad rush of people elbowing others out of the way for deals like it was in the past.

Now many people start their Boxing Day shopping at home in front of a computer or smartphone and sometimes before Dec. 25 is even over. That鈥檚 translating to less foot traffic for bricks and mortar stores on Dec. 26.

鈥淚nitially some regulars came in, and it鈥檚 been okay,鈥� said Chris Sobie, owner of C & R Hobbies and Crafts.

It鈥檚 one of the few businesses on the one-way stretch of Fraser Highway that鈥檚 open for Boxing Day.

He said the store has opened for Dec. 26 for its 17 years in operation but noted that the shoppers just aren鈥檛 coming through the doors like they used to.

He said holiday sales are critical for the small business, accounting for about 40 per cent of the year鈥檚 tally and sales are down significantly in recent years.

As well, technology is impacting sales in bricks and mortar stores.

鈥淭hey take their phones out,鈥� Sobie said of customers. 鈥淭hey all take pictures of products.鈥�

Some take photos to send to others when checking on a make or model while others use it as a resource to then go hunting online for cheaper prices.

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Shoppers Ann and Claire Cooper are part of another trend 鈥� Americans coming north to shop. With a stronger dollar and some brands closer for people like the Blaine, Wash., mother and daughter, they decided to come to 91原创. They came specifically for the Lulu Lemon products, noting the next nearest store for them is Seattle so 91原创 is much handier.

After finding bargains at Willowbrook Shopping Centre, they were interested in doing more hunting around. Ann heard about Boxing Day shopping a few years ago, noting that typically Americans spend Dec. 26 at home relaxing or starting to take down the Christmas tree. Boxing Day shopping was a new concept to Claire, but both said they will be back.

鈥淢aybe next year we鈥檒l do a little more planning,鈥� Ann said.