BBQs, camping and outdoor leisure equipment sales to rise over 100 percent this Christmas - ARA

 

IT'S BEGINNING to look a lot like Christmas for outdoor leisure retailers with barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment tipped to rise 135 percent in the lead up to Christmas.

New research by the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) and Roy Morgan looks at last year’s Christmas shopping period between November 2013 – January 2014, and reveals the categories showing the largest growth during this period (compared with the rest of the year) are as follows: barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment (up 135 percent), perfume and aftershave (up 58 percent) and women’s dresses (up 54 percent). 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said these results certainly reflect current consumer buying patterns, with shoppers not only starting to stock up on traditional best-selling gifts such as perfume, aftershave and clothing but also the latest barbecue and camping equipment.

“Australian’s have been born and bred to enjoy the great outdoors over summer and that includes heading away with the family on camping trips and regular social barbecues with friends. We’re expecting to see a lot of tents, picnic gear, high-quality outdoor furniture and other leisure-based gifts under Christmas trees this year. These items are often able to be enjoyed by the entire family, therefore providing great value for money for the penny-conscious shopper.

“The expected rise in sales of 135 percent is music to the ears of Australian outdoor leisure retailers who have been doing it extremely tough over winter.

“When comparing hottest Christmas items of 2013 with hottest Christmas items of 2012, there are a few notable trends that we can expect to see reflected in this year’s Christmas sales. Interestingly, women’s jumpers take the top spot with an increase in sales by over 40 percent year on year. Women’s sleepwear sales are also up significantly (36 percent) but are offset by falls in other women’s apparel categories including jeans (-43 percent), sportswear (-38 percent), socks (-29 percent) and coats (-27 percent).

“Car care products will remain great stocking fillers (up 28 percent) as well as craft and hobby related products which are set to experience a jump in sales by 27 percent this Christmas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Overall, ARA data shows that shoppers will spend a whopping $45 billion from 15 November until 24 December, representing a 4.3 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2013 ($43 billion).

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Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 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.

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