The Christmas shopping season is well underway for 2015, with retailers across the country seeing an uplift in foot traffic and spending, according to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).
Australian consumers will spend 3.6 percent more on Christmas this year than last between November 15 and December 24 for a record of $46.8 billion, with a host of retailers already reporting an uplift at the tills.
ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman, said that with 21 shopping days left until the man in the red suit arrives, retailers will be preparing for longer trading hours in some areas and ensuring well maintained stock levels.
“The organised shoppers among us kick off their Christmas gift buying as early as November, but for the rest of us, the first three weeks in December, and especially the week before Christmas, is where we see the bulk of Christmas spending,” said Mr Zimmerman.
“Those entertaining family and friends over the festive season will also begin stocking up on groceries and other festive staples in the coming weeks, with Aussies to spend almost $19 billion on grocery items alone this Christmas – an increase of 2.4 per cent on last year.”
Dymocks has already seen an increase in monthly sales of seven percent this year on the same time last year as customers stock up for Christmas. The bookseller expects 2015 to be the biggest Christmas for books in five years, based on record pre-Christmas sales.
Sophie Higgins, Dymocks Head of Marketing and Merchandise, says 2015 will be a bonanza year for booklovers. Fast sellers for Dymocks this year include adult colouring in books, as well as cookbooks.
“I’ve never seen such a diverse Christmas list. Usually there are four or five standouts that everyone will buy as that special gift. This year, though, there are books to suit every taste,” said Ms Higgins.
Cookbooks are predicted to grow 50 percent this month. “Cookbooks are popular as gift purchases and for home cooks looking for gourmet inspiration.”
Says Mr Zimmerman: “Shoppers looking to beat the Christmas chaos at the shops are reminded to plan ahead as Christmas gets closer and to shop early and shop often to avoid disappointment”.
ARA ROY MORGAN PRE-CHRISTMAS 2015 SALES PREDICTIONS
November 15 – December 24, 2015
2015 Pre-Christmas Sales Growth by State
|
State |
2014 pre-xmas
Actual ($mil) |
2015 pre-xmas
Forecast ($mil) |
Predicted growth
(%) |
|
|
NSW |
14377 |
14854 |
3.3% |
|
|
Victoria |
11174 |
11688 |
4.6% |
|
|
Queensland |
9200 |
9590 |
4.2% |
|
|
South Australia |
2945 |
3026 |
2.7% |
|
|
Western Australia |
5253 |
5393 |
2.7% |
|
|
Tasmania |
882 |
907 |
2.7% |
|
|
Northern Territory |
489 |
493 |
0.8% |
|
|
Australian Capital Territory |
815 |
824 |
1.1% |
|
|
NATIONAL |
45137 |
46775 |
3.6% |
|
(ARA/ROY MORGAN)
2015 Pre-Christmas Sales Growth by Category
|
Category |
2014 pre-xmas
Actual ($mil) |
2015 pre-xmas
Forecast ($mil) |
Predicted growth
(%) |
|
Food |
18545 |
18987 |
2.4% |
|
Household goods |
7839 |
8144 |
3.9% |
|
Apparel |
3436 |
3598 |
4.7% |
|
Department stores |
2901 |
3018 |
4.0% |
|
Other |
6112 |
6456 |
5.6% |
|
Hospitality |
6305 |
6573 |
4.3% |
|
NATIONAL |
45137 |
46775 |
3.6% |
(ARA/ROY MORGAN)