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Retailers prepare for successful festive season - ARA Retail Expectations Survey out TODAY

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said new research released today in the ARA Retail Christmas Expectations Survey showed retailers are cautiously optimistic about trading during the holiday season with 43% expecting sales to be the same or better than last year’s record trade.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the ARA Retail Christmas Expectations Survey indicated over 59 percent of retailers who were optimistic about the 2008 Christmas trading season expected sales to increase by between 10 and 20 percent.

"Our research shows experienced retailers understand retailing works in cycles and this downturn in retail trade has come off the back of the most successful Christmas trading period in a decade. So for over 48% percent of retailers to be expecting store traffic this Christmas season to be the same or better than last year, shows confidence and an understanding of economic peaks and troughs within the sector.

"Retailers have had a tough year and they are working hard to boost consumer sentiment and give shoppers the confidence to spend responsibly this Christmas with over 43 percent of retailers planning pre-Christmas sales.

"Retailers will be using point of sale promotions (over 61percent), giveaways and competitions (over 25 percent) giving shoppers some good deals to fill those Christmas stockings.   They are also investing in promotions and marketing campaigns in the lead up to Christmas with 67 percent planning print, television and radio advertisements. 

"Now is the time for consumers to start their Christmas shopping because there are a lot of bargains to be had at the moment. With interest rates at their lowest since December 2003, petrol prices on the decline and the Rudd Government's stimulus package landing in consumers' pockets on December 8, there will be an influx of cash in pockets for the holiday season. Retailers have been suffering all year and now they're calling on consumers to embrace the gift giving spirit of Christmas," Evans said.

The ARA Retail Christmas Expectations Survey tracks retail prospects for the 2008 Christmas season including; sales, profitability, employment and marketing plans over the Christmas season.

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA supports and represents over 5000 members throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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