David Jones, Myer Boxing Day sales to start early online

FORGET the Boxing Day sales crush, the big boys of retailing are throwing open their doors on Christmas Day via their online websites.

David Jones is breaking with more than 170 years of tradition to start its annual stocktake sale a day early.

It's website says it is preparing for a huge clearance and will be back online on Christmas Day with bargains aplenty.

David Jones boss Paul Zahra told news.com.au the online option allowed the retailer to look forward to a bumper stocktake sale.

"We expect it to be the best clearance ever," he said. "It's an important time and we expect it to be big.''

Myer plans to get in even earlier with  its stocktake sale to start online at 9 o'clock Monday.