Supermarket car parks were well filled in early afternoon, with officials at Pak'n Save in Hillside Rd saying that trading was about 20% up on a non-Easter Monday.
Demand varied considerably around the city, with many of the Meridian Mall food court's tables bustling with customers, although there appeared to be few shoppers at a central jewellery shop.
Sales added to the interest at many shops, with Farmers Trading Co Ltd in George St offering cut-price men's and women's clothing and furniture bargains.
Of about 20 shoppers interviewed by the ODT in two malls and in George St, about three-quarters were from out of town.
Southern Steel netball fans Sarah Low, of Invercargill, her mother Elizabeth Payne, and Sarah's aunt, Leigh Matthews, of Riverton, were in Dunedin for last night's game, and to do some shopping beforehand.
They were enjoying trying out Dunedin's larger-scale shopping facilities - particularly the shopping malls.
"The day's been very good. Great company!" Mrs Matthews said.
Other visitors were from Gore and Timaru, and some from a cruise ship, Crystal Symphony.
Gore residents Dwayne and Katie Smith and their children, Laura and Josie (11) were enjoying visiting Dunedin, partly as a family celebration to mark Laura's 17th birthday today.
"I love shopping - it's my favourite thing," a smiling Laura added.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie welcomed the contribution of both domestic and international tourism to Dunedin's economy yesterday, and noted Easter Monday was becoming a popular shopping day in the city.
"Any out-of-town money has to be good," he said.
The Department of Labour says the number of shops found trading illegally over Easter Weekend appears to be similar to last year.
The department is considering prosecuting 38 retailers throughout the country, after 19 were found trading on Good Friday and another 19 on Easter Sunday.
The respective figures last year were 17 and 16.
