It's 'children's choice' this Christmas say retailers

WITH the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan Research predicting Australians to spend more than $50 billion over the Christmas trading period from November 15 to December 24, 2017, the ARA believe toy retailers will be as busy as elves this Christmas.

With the ARA and Roy Morgan Research tipping Australian consumers to spend 2.8% more on Christmas compared to last year, ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said it’s a busy time for toy retailers across the country.

“Keeping up with hottest-selling toys for kids at Christmas is like keeping up with digital technology in the retail landscape… both retailers and consumers need to be prepared,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With many new toys hitting the shelves this year, parents need to start their shopping early to ensure they can get the toy at the top of their children’s wish list.”

“Likewise retailers need to be prepared for the onslaught of parents trying to secure the perfect gift for their children.”

With the ARA and Roy Morgan Research predicting Aussies to increase their spending in the ‘Other retailing’ category by 3.96%, the ARA have worked with Toys“R”Us to identify the Top 20 Toys for kids this Christmas.

“It appears Hatchimals continue to outperform retailer’s expectations as they completely sold out last year, so we urge retailers to be prepared for a similar toy rush this pre-Christmas period,” Mr Zimmerman said.

New to the toy scene, LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is one of the most sought-after interactive toys in the tech space this year. This innovative creation targeted for boys aged 7+, enhances the building and learning experience for boys by not only building the robot but also coding its behaviour.

“Gone are the days when we used to fly model planes, it seems LEGO Boost is now a must have for tech savvy youngsters this Christmas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Just like retail, Christmas is all about the consumer experience, and for girls aged 3+ this year’s highly sought-after toys include LOL Dolls and Pikmi Pops as they provide the ultimate unwrapping experience this silly season.”

With many Australian children on Santa’s nice list this year, the ARA expect both retailers and Santa’s elves to be extremely busy over the next few weeks.

To view the ARA and Roy Morgan’s Annual Pre-Christmas Sales Predictions for 2017 please click here. And for more information regarding the Top Toys this Christmas please click here.

 

ARA ROY MORGAN PRE-CHRISTMAS SALES PREDICTIONS 2017

November 15 – December 24, 2017

2017 Pre-Christmas Sales Growth by Category

 

State	2016 Pre-Christmas actual results ($mil)	2017 Forecast Pre-Christmas sales ($mil)	Predicted Growth
FOOD	19643	20284	3.27%
HH GOODS	8503	8704	2.37%
APPAREL	3869	3890	0.54%
DEPARTMENT STORES	2928	2957	0.99%
OTHER	6911	7184	3.96%
HOSPITALITY	6854	7052	2.89%
NATIONAL	48708	50073	2.80%

[ARA / ROY MORGAN]

 

2017 Pre-Christmas Sales Growth by State

 

State	2016 Pre-Christmas actual results ($mil)	2017 Forecast Pre-Christmas sales ($mil)	Predicted Growth
NSW	15692	16265	3.65%
VIC	12267	12742	3.87%
QLD	9838	9951	1.15%
SA	3164	3266	3.23%
WA	5386	5434	0.89%
TAS	967	996	3.01%
NT	499	508	1.77%
ACT	895	911	1.76%
NATIONAL	48708	50073	2.80%

[ARA / ROY MORGAN]

 

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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