ARA says Easter cracks up 'egg-citing sales' for retailers

WITH EASTER only a week away, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) believes retailers across the nation will be packing their shelves with an assortment of Easter treats and delights.

ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said that while many retailers stock their shelves with Easter products just after New Year, the majority of Easter sales do not occur until the week before Good Friday.

"Although the Easter trading period is shorter than the Christmas period, this holiday is still recognised as a busy trading event for retailers,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We predict that sales of traditional Easter items including hot cross, buns, seafood, fresh produce, liquor and of course chocolate to increase during throughout this time, which is a welcome fillip for specialist retailers who sell these products.”

Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper said he expected 50,000 people would visit the iconic market on Good Friday and estimates over 650 tonnes of seafood would be sold during the day.

“As Easter is celebrated widely, many Australians will be heading to retail outlets to buy fresh produce to cater for Easter lunches and feed their friends and families,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Fresh food markets won’t be the only ones to experience big crowds of shoppers over the coming week, as several bakeries and chocolatiers will also be crafting tantalising indulgences for the Easter holiday.

With hot cross buns recognised as an Easter staple, the CEO of Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, Steve Plarre, said that while 60 percent of hot cross bun sales were generated from traditional fruit buns, sales of new flavours and Easter Chocolate Waffles continue to grow each year.

“Hot cross buns are still a top seller by volume. However, over the last few years, we have noticed a rise in the sale of our raspberry and white chocolate and our apple and cinnamon varieties,” Mr Plarre said.

With Easter arriving later in 2019 than last year, Mr Zimmerman said he expects retailers to experience higher sales during this time, as customers will be visiting retail stores to purchase new and innovative Easter creations.

“Each year we see many of our retailers taking traditional Easter products and transforming them into exciting new products that tantalise their customer’s tastebuds,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Just like Christmas, Easter is a key trading period for retailers. With the colder season upon us, many retailers will be busy preparing their stores with new season fashion for winter.”

 

About the Australian Retailers Association

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $320 billion sector, which employs more than 1.3 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak body industry, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and 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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