Howzat for a sale? Pakenham wicketkeeper Brett Harrop and mate Scott Cherry were in Sportspower during the big oneday sale in Pakenham on Friday. By Glen Atwell
BARGAIN hunters were in shopping heaven in Pakenham on Friday as retailers declared their oneday sale a huge hit.
For eight glorious hours, the town was on sale and eager shoppers reaped the benefits.
The oneday sale was organised by the recently formed Pakenham Business Group and was hailed as a great success by shoppers and traders.
Everything from chicken fillets to home loans were offered at heavilyreduced prices.
Gavin Bindley from Cactus Black said the response to his shop’s sale had been incredible.
“There were about 50 people lined up waiting to get in at opening time.
“The first hour was very hectic,” he said.
“From a retailer’s perspective the idea of a one day sale is terrific,” he said.
“We are getting a lot of add on sales that people are purchasing with the bargains.”
Winding down the store’s winter sale, Mr Bindley said the timing of the oneday sale was perfect.
“We are moving a lot of winter stock, and at the end of winter, that’s great news for the shop,” he said.
Down the street at Norm’s Meats, the doors had been open since the butcher walked in.
Employee Des Young said it had been a busy day.
He said they were open just after 7 am and had their first customer not long after.
Norm’s Meats slashed the price of chicken fillets to just $5.99 a kilogram.
“The chicken has been selling very well, it’s been popular.
“People are buying up to four kilograms at a time,” Mr Young said.
Across the street at ANZ bank, employee Caroline Langford got a real buzz, dressing as a bumblebee for the day and handing out rulers and stickers to children.
“I got the job somehow, I’m always sticking my hand up for things,” she said.
Colleague Debbie Pickering said the bank had some red hot deals for the day.
“We were offering a fee free account for the first six months,” she said.
“And no loan approval fee on any new home loans.”
Event organiser Richard Fromhold said everything fell into place on the day.
“Even the weather was wonderful, it was a great day for all involved,” he said.
Mr Fromhold said the aim of the day was to get Pakenham residents back into the main street.
“Too many shoppers are going down the highway to Fountain Gate,” he said.
“The idea of the one day sale was to get people back into Pakenham and finding some serious bargains.
“We want people to remember that Pakenham does have some great shops and deals on offer all the time.
“And today proved that.”
But for those that missed out on snaring a bargain, Mr Fromhold said Christmas would roll around sooner than later.
“Hopefully, there will be another bumper sale come Christmas time,” he said.
