If you thought Santa only clocked in once a year, think again. Australia’s favourite buy-now-pay-later behemoth, Afterpay, dons the red suit early, albeit with a decidedly modern twist, bringing four days of unapologetic retail indulgence. From Thursday, August 14, to Sunday, August 17, Afterpay Day is back, promising discounts so deep you could lose your thongs.
This bi-annual event has become the retail equivalent of a summer storm: sudden, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. With markdowns of up to 70% across fashion, tech, beauty, travel and more, the challenge isn’t finding something to buy — it’s working out how to justify not buying everything.
A Retail Ritual in the Making
What started as a clever way to spread out payments has morphed into one of the most anticipated shopping sprees in the country. Twice a year, the nation’s savviest shoppers (and those who love a shiny “SALE” banner) descend on stores and websites, hunting everything from designer heels to high-tech vacuums.
Katrina Konstas, Afterpay’s Country Manager, summed it up neatly: “Afterpay Day remains one of Australia’s most anticipated shopping events, offering exceptional value across thousands of sought-after brands. With Aussies increasingly looking to plan their purchases and maximise value ahead of the holiday season, this four-day event is the perfect opportunity to shop smarter and save across multiple categories.”
Translation? It’s a guilt-free way to splurge — especially when you can convince yourself it’s “just preparing for Christmas.”
The Mystery Market Gets Generous
Adding a dose of warm-and-fuzzy to the retail madness, Afterpay is bringing back its Pay It Forward Mystery Market and doubling the prize pool to over $200,000. Win something, and you’ll also get to gift the same prize to a friend, relative, or that neighbour who once watered your plants in a heatwave.
It’s retail therapy with a side of altruism. Because nothing says “I care” quite like matching Dyson Airwraps.
Tech Temptations: Gadgets That’ll Make You Look Productive
If your TV has given you that smug “I’m from 2014” look, now’s your chance. Kogan is serving up to 70% off, including a 75″ LED 4K Smart Roku TV for just $769 (down 61%). Scorptec is slashing up to 75% off tech and gaming gear, while Dyson is waving up to 50% off across its range — yes, including the Airwrap.
Appliances Online offers instant cash discounts up to $1,000, and Harvey Norman provides an extra 10% off mobiles with code Afterpay10. Meanwhile, JB Hi-Fi is quietly plotting to ruin your savings goals with irresistible offers on computers, TVs, and phones.
If you can resist all that, you probably deserve a medal.
Fashion Fixes: From Streetwear to the High Street
You know it’s serious when Nike, THE ICONIC, and David Jones all decide to join the same sale party. Nike is taking up to 30% off footwear, clothing and accessories, while THE ICONIC is slicing up to 30% off its range. David Jones offers up to 25% off selected fashion, shoes and accessories across men’s, women’s and kids’ lines.
Streetwear fans can grab up to 50% off at JD Sports, up to 40% off at Platypus Shoes, and a further 30% off selected Converse styles. If you’re into brands with cult status, Crocs is 30% off (when you spend over $100), Princess Polly takes 25% off with code 25AFTERPAY, and Assembly Label has up to 60% off selected styles.
The challenge isn’t finding something to wear, it’s deciding which new outfit you’ll tell people you “found on clearance.”
Beauty Blowouts: Because Your Face Deserves a Discount
Afterpay Day turns the beauty aisle into a minefield of temptation, from luxury skincare to cult hair tools. Adore Beauty offers up to 40% off big brands, Sephora has 20% off with a $140 minimum spend, and MYER is shaving 20% off a range of skincare and makeup from Lancôme, Elizabeth Arden and Benefit.
Hair appliances are stealing the show, Dyson again, with up to 50% off, and ghd dropping 25% off the Duet Style Hot Air Styler. Mermade Hair is knocking 25% off its range (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), and The Body Shop gives 20% off almost everything.
Travel Temptations: Your Next Escape Just Got Cheaper
Planning a holiday just became much more appealing. Booking.com has up to 20% off with Getaway Deals, while Jetstar is teasing “great deals” on flights to top destinations. Red Balloon is serving 12% off sitewide with a $149 minimum spend, and Webjet is dangling the chance to win a $2,500 eGift Card when you check out with Afterpay.
Because nothing pairs better with a discounted suitcase than discounted flights.
For Homebodies: Nesting at a Discount
If your living room could use a facelift, Afterpay Day’s homeware deals are dangerously good. Koala offers up to 25% off sitewide, Le Creuset offers 20% off storewide, and Fantastic Furniture offers a spend-and-save offer (up to $400 off). Ecosa offers up to 35% off sitewide, and I Love Linen offers 25% off sheet sets and quilt covers.
Even IKEA is getting in on the action with 5% off PAX wardrobes for IKEA Family members. Sure, it’s a small discount, but given how much time we spend in front of our wardrobes deciding “what to wear,” it’s a win.
Small Business Love
It’s not all about the big names. Alya Skin is going 40% off sitewide, Happy Skin Co has up to 50% off plus freebies, and Factory Buys is taking up to 65% off RRP with an extra 10% off using code AFTERPAY and supporting small businesses while bagging a bargain? Now that’s shopping karma.
How to Survive the Four Days
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Make a list. Otherwise, you’ll emerge with a portable blender, three scented candles, and a kayak you don’t remember ordering.
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Check the codes. Many offers require promo codes; don’t miss out because you forgot to type “AFTERPAY” at checkout.
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Pace yourself. Four days is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s nothing worse than maxing out your Afterpay limit by 10 am on day one.
The Verdict
Afterpay Day isn’t just a sale — it’s a retail tradition. With offers ranging from sensible household investments to utterly impulsive “why not?” buys, it’s the kind of event that rewards planners and the easily tempted.
From half-priced beauty essentials to once-a-year tech deals, the only thing standing between you and a cart full of bargains is your willpower — and possibly the size of your storage cupboard.
So clear your calendar, charge your devices, and prepare to shop like Boxing Day in August. Your bank account may forgive you by Christmas.
By Bridget Gomez
