Boxing Day recovered from a slow start to add $1.7 billion of much needed trade to Australian retailers.

Shoppers and retailers had to look on enviously in Adelaide where trading is restricted on Boxing Day. A change in state legislature is set to come into play in 2012.

It is hoped that a momentum of spending will grow into the New Year. Discounts of 60% and more saw consumers return in droves to find their bargains. Some have even started planning for Christmas next year at hugely discounted rates.

A tough year for traders has been exacerbated by recent problems with banking networks which has left shoppers unable to use their credit cards.

Below average weather for December has not helped either, making the highly anticipated federal interest rate cuts somewhat redundant.

But shops have largely resisted the urge to slash prices early. Such a move backfired last year when post-Christmas sales performed poorly.

Estimates suggest that the retail sector could see $14 billion in trade over the next six weeks. If you are planning to browse the sales in the coming weeks, see if a good credit card deal could help you to benefit from your spending.

Kirsty Sparks