A growing number of stores are choosing to throw open their doors on the annual holiday that is fast becoming a staple on the shoppers’ festive calendars.

Thousands converged on Peel Street to take advantage of reduced stock, while others headed to the city’s shopping centres as selected specialty stores chose to open.

Town & Country Boutique owner Vicki Pooley told The Leader it was “well and truly worthwhile” opening on Boxing Day.

“This is our fourth year opening on Boxing Day,” she said from her Peel Street store on Tuesday.

“People are starting to jump on board more.

“When you’re a small retailer like I am, it’s well and truly worthwhile.”

While many Peel Street retailers were opened on Boxing Day for the first time, including Lowes, it was the third year Bed, Bath and Table had opened on the public holiday – and it was paying off.

“So far we’re on par with last year,” store manager Andrew Coutman said.

“We’re finding that it is growing.

“Traditionally in the country we’re not expected to open on Boxing Day but retailers are choosing to more and more.”

The day has grown in popularity since Tamworth’s major retailers were allowed to open on Boxing Day for the first time in 2015.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said laws passed in September gives retailers, employees and consumers the freedom to trade, work and shop on December 26.

“Many businesses previously unable to trade have now opened their doors on Boxing Day and opened their local economies to the benefits that it brings,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The NSW government in 2015 removed outdated retail trading restrictions that prevented shops in Western Sydney and many parts of regional NSW from trading on Boxing Day. In September, Parliament passed legislation to make these changes permanent, following a successful two-year trial.