Retailers brace for full week as 50% leave shopping to last minute - Consumers advised: head to CBD or local to avoid crowds

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association said retailers were bracing themselves for the last minute rush of Christmas shoppers with over half of surveyed Australians* set to finalise their Christmas shopping between 19 and 24 December, most likely at a suburban shopping centre.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said this was the first time in six years Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, giving consumers a full week in the lead up to the big day to get those last minute purchases bought, wrapped and under the tree. “It’s typical of Australian consumers to leave at least some of their Christmas shopping to the eleventh hour , with around 50 percent planning to finish their shopping during this next week, it’s no wonder crowds are one of the main frustrations for last minute shoppers (70 percent).

“With 56 percent of surveyed Australians heading to a suburban shopping centre, consumers can try to avoid crowds if they’re willing to go to their local shopping strips or head to the CBD.

“Only 7 percent said they would shop on a local shopping strip and 14 percent said they would head to the CBD to do their shopping.

“Local shopping strips often extend their opening hours over the festive period and can be within walking distance and the CBD can also be a convenient option for city workers those looking to avoid the masses of people at shopping centres.

“This is a crucial week for retailers, who will have all hands on deck to offer crowds of customers product advice, suggestions and of course run the final sale through the till. “If people do prefer to shop at their suburban shopping centre, one way to avoid the crowds is to check the extended trading hours and organise their trip accordingly.

“There are many centres trading until midday on some days this week, and some will be trading non-stop in the last couple of days before Christmas. “The Christmas spirit of both retailers and consumers has been buoyed by the recent December interest rate cut, which will hopefully translate to an increase in overall sales for the festive season,” Zimmerman said.

For over 100 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia’s $240 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and with a range of member services including policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

-ends- For interview opportunities with ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman contact: Andie McMaster, Media and Communication Officer T: 0408 613 178 E: media@retail.org.au

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