In an astounding display of dedication, hundreds of gamers waited in line for hours outside the Epic Games & More store in Victoria despite wind and heavy rainfall, all for the chance to score epic discounts during the Boxing Day sales.

A Grueling Wait for Discounts

Leo and Heather Henri, a couple from Victoria, proved they were die-hard gaming enthusiasts, arriving at the store at 11 p.m. on Christmas Day and enduring a grueling 12-hour wait. Their goal? To snag a PlayStation 5, advertised for an unbeatable $250—significantly lower than its typical price tag of around $700. “ The savings are incredible!” Heather exclaimed, highlighting their determination to get the deal of a lifetime.

Early Birds and Camaraderie

While others trickled in as late as 6 a.m., Leo humorously admitted, “We may have been a bit unreasonably early.” They weren’t alone in their anticipation; Ashley and Dwayne Reardon, also keen to land a PS5 along with a coveted special edition Zelda game, joined the line. Ashley cheekily shared that she sneaked out of their house at 4 a.m. to avoid alerting her husband about her late-night gaming mission.

As the hours passed, the camaraderie among the line-waiters grew. Ashley, who isn’t a gamer herself, endeavored to ensure her husband wouldn’t miss out. “I didn’t want him to suffer too,” she joked, while Dwayne added, “Yeah, she’s great!” They were among the first in line, and as a gesture of goodwill, they received warm socks from the line’s unofficial leader, Heather.

Limited Stock and Special Deals

The store’s owner, Nick Briand, confirmed the limited availability of discounted PS5 consoles, revealing that only two units were available at the jaw-dropping price. “Most places sell these for anywhere between $500 and $700,” he stated. Briand also mentioned a special "blowout table" featuring over 50% off on PlayStation 5 collectibles and other nostalgic gaming items, attracting collectors and fans alike.

A Successful Turnout

The frenzy began when Briand’s Boxing Day advertisement launched on Facebook on Christmas Eve, quickly gathering momentum and setting the stage for the early morning rush. At 11 a.m., the doors finally swung open, and Briand skillfully managed the eager crowd by allowing groups of 50 to enter at a time.

This year's turnout exceeded Briand's expectations, underscoring a growing excitement for Boxing Day deals among gamers. By the end of the day, Leo and Heather Henri successfully walked away with their long-desired PS5, a testament to their dedication and the thrill of the hunt.

Looking Ahead to Future Sales

Will more stores adopt similar strategies to lure in enthusiastic shoppers? One thing is for sure: next year’s Boxing Day sales are bound to be even more competitive!