The Boxing Day sales were the first since the $330 million redevelopment of the centre was completed earlier this year and the first since Myer's Shellharbour store opened in May.

By 11am, Stockland's management had recorded a 38 per cent increase on people through the centre's doors when compared with the same time last year.

Shoppers from a wide catchment took advantage of Shellharbour's status as a tourist destination which allowed the centre to open.

It wasn't just the centre's retailers enjoying a day of bumper trading as shoppers with trolleys dodged their way through long queues for coffee, and empty tables were rare in the food courts.

Myer opened its doors at 7am, while the rest of the centre - with the exception of a few fresh food shops - opened at 8am.

Though online shoppers were left frustrated as Myer experienced massive problems with its website yesterday, there were no such dramas at Shellharbour as hourly bargains sold well.

Shellharbour Myer store manager Byron Holt said his store was one of five Myer stores allowed to open in NSW.

Mr Holt said there was a quick clear-out of most of the store's Christmas stock, which was the specific target of some buyers, but apparel and homewares also sold well.

"The numbers have been fantastic, but this year is also about educating our customers about what we offer on Boxing Day ... it will get bigger and better each year," he said.

Among the keen shoppers was Kellie Mundt, of Jamberoo, who helped to clear Target's shelves of soft toys, most of which will be used at St Paul's Albion Park school's Christmas stall next year.

"I normally aim for 8am, but didn't get here until 8.30am," Ms Mundt said.

"I didn't miss too much - except some Christmas decorations."

Stockland Shellharbour manager Brett Leonard said trading in the lead-up to Christmas was strong and Christmas Eve trade was no exception.