Wakatipu High School students Lauren Kerr and Ben Dennison, both 15, sold 350 sausages in a few hours at their swim club fundraising sizzle stall outside The Warehouse. Remarkables Park Warehouse manager Mark Dooley said staff were flat out during the busiest day so far this holiday shopping season.
Television sets, outdoor furniture and camping gear were the most sought-after items, he said.
Neil Edwards, of Wanaka, was shopping in Mitre10 and picked up a mini-oven, deck paint, bathroom paint and rollers, paid for with Christmas gift vouchers.
Michelle Edwards said the family would stop for a bite to eat before hitting more shops.
H&J Smith head of lingerie Sue Forsyth said summer dresses, perfume and cut-price Christmas gift boxes were selling well. "We've sold a hell of a lot," she said.
Mitre10 store manager Marlene Crimp said custom was steady, and the more popular items included paint, outdoor furniture, barbecues and accessories.
While people headed to the shops yesterday, retailers have said 2010 had been a tough year.