Kmart predicts sales will continue to soar in the lead up to Christmas, with toys sales expected to top 11 million for the month.

December 23 is anticipated to be the largest day for toy sales across stores says Kmart. “We’re noticing a strong increase in toy sales with the Christmas countdown underway,” said Kmart corporate affairs GM, Tracie Walker.

Popular toys set to fill Christmas stockings around the country this year include Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise following the recent enthusiasm for the movie’s upcoming launch in Australia on December 17.

Kmart expects to sell 100,000 Episode 7 figurines and 45,000 lightsabers by Christmas Day. Lego sets, Nerf blasters, Shopkins accessories and merchandise from Disney’s Frozen have been other popular sellers.

“Kmart is delighted to be the destination for the latest must-have toys and we work hard to ensure our prices remain affordable for Australian families,” said Walker.

The predictions come after research from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan found that 56 per cent of Australian children visit Kmart in any given four weeks. Rival discount department store giants, Target (55 per cent) and Big W (54 per cent) were close behind before a significant drop to other retailers.

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