In Canada and the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much as the United States treats the day after Thanksgiving. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price (1). For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue. In the UK in 2009, it was estimated that up to 12 million shoppers appeared at the sales---a rise of almost 20% compared to 2008, although this was also (2)by the fact that the VAT would go back up to 17.5% from Jan, 1. Many retailers open very early and offer door buster deals to draw people to their stores. It’s not uncommon for long queues to from early in the morning of Dec 26, hours before the opening of shops holding the big sales, especially at big-box consumers electronics retailers. Once inside, the shoppers often rush and grab, as many stores have a limited (3)of deeply discounted items. Because of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, many choose to stay home and avoid the hectic shopping experience. The local media often cover the event, (4)video of shoppers standing in line and later leaving with their purchased items. The Boxing Day sales have the potential for customer stampedes, injuries and even fatalities. As a result, many retailers have implemented practices aimed at controlling large numbers of shoppers, most of whom are anxious for bargains. They may limit entrances, restrict the number of patrons in a store at a time, provide tickets to people at the head of the line to (5)them a hot ticket item, and canvass lined-up shoppers to inform them of inventory limitations.