Retailers well on their way to achieving $42.2 billion in pre-Christmas sales

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers are working around the clock to make the most of the festive season – with $42.2 billion in pre-Christmas sales expected to go through retail tills from 14 November until 25 December, representing a 3.5 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2012 ($40.7 billion).
 
ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the 3.5 percent growth (based on 2013 Christmas sales predictions prepared by ARA research partner Roy Morgan Research) is a positive sign for the retail sector and an indication that shoppers have well and truly started their Christmas shopping.
 
“Anecdotally, we have had a number of reports from retailers that shoppers have started their Christmas shopping a little earlier this year, rather than leaving it until late December like previous years. Conversations with retailers have also reported large sales on specific popular products, meaning shoppers need to get in early if they want to guarantee their products of choice will still be on the shelves.
 
“Electronics and sporting retailers have especially enjoyed a jump in sales over the last week or two, with sporting and outdoor equipment, gaming consoles, iPads, mobiles and tablets tipped to be the hottest items under Australian Christmas trees this year.
 
“Both the Sony Playstation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One have now been released, and interestingly, shoppers are said to be almost twice as likely to purchase the Sony Playstation 4 over the Microsoft Xbox One.
 
“While we can expect traditional gifts such as perfumes, cosmetics, toys, games, footwear and clothing to continue to fly off the shelves and down the chimney, Australian consumers are looking for something new and exciting to keep them entertained this festive season.
 
“With the biggest online shopping day (Sunday 8 December) now behind us, retailers are looking forward to next week, as the week before Christmas remains the busiest time for pre-Christmas shopping,” Mr Zimmerman said. 
 
View the ARA Christmas infographic HERE for an overview of pre-Christmas sales data
 
Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $258 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041

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