ARA predicts Christmas boom

 

Christmas bells

Australian shoppers are predicted to spend $45 billion in pre-Christmas sales from November 5 until December 24, representing a 4.3 per cent gain during the same period in 2013, according to research released by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan Research.

“The 4.3 per cent growth may result in shoppers starting their Christmas shopping a little earlier this year, rather than leaving it until late December, however, we also know that the week before Christmas will remain the busiest time for pre-Christmas shopping, and therefore the most profitable time for retailers,” ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said.

Hospitality, food, and household goods are expected to experience the highest levels of growth this Christmas.

“This comes as no surprise as department stores and clothing, footwear, and personal accessories usually rely on last minute Christmas promotions for any significant growth in sales during the festive season,” Zimmerman said.

Looking at the states and territories, all are expected to see growth of between 1.2 per cent (Western Australia) and 6.1 per cent (NSW), a part from the ACT which may experience a slight decline in sales of -0.4 per cent.

“This time last year the ARA forecasted $42.2 billion would go through retail tills during the pre-Christmas trading period and this figure was later confirmed at an actual pre-Christmas spend of $43 billion. The ARA’s forecast was almost bang on, and while concerns remain over consumer confidence and low jobs growth, it’s fairly safe to say the retail industry is optimistic for a cracker Christmas this year,” Zimmerman said.

ARA

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