Spare a thought for those working in shopping centres around the country today.

Malls malls have been invaded by thousands of shoppers out for a bargain, with people lining up before they even opened.

Westfield Riccarton's centre manager Helen Ronald says even the Boxing Day test match doesn't seem to have affected their sales this morning.

She says it's a crazy day for everyone in retail today.

"Most stores have full staff levels today," she says.

"They keep their Christmas staff through, most of them need the extra staff." +