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Retailers strong and steady throughout sales period- Consumers remain in game for bargains

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers were mainly positive about the post Christmas sales period so far and were discounting further to clear their stock as consumers shop steadily and hold out for the big bargains.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers had enjoyed a steady post Christmas sales period and were hopeful of budgets being achieved as consumers continued a steady shopping marathon.

“The ARA predicted consumers would spend $14.1 billion over the post Christmas sales period and retailer anecdotes suggest consumers are still on target to spend this.

“Shoppers are pacing themselves and thinking about their buying strategy so they can take advantage of bargains throughout the entire sales period which should last until mid January, but what we’re hearing from retailers is they’re fairly confident they will meet budgets for the period.

“ABS retail trade figures for November will be released on Monday and they will give the first indication of how November’s interest rate cut affected Christmas shopping.

“Gone are the days where consumers sprinted to the stores at the crack of dawn on Boxing Day. However consumers are still out there, shopping often and seeking out all the bargains to be had during this period.

“We are hearing electronics and anything with an ‘I’ such as iPads and iPhones are selling well and there are some great discounts to be had as retailers clear their floors in readiness for new stock.

“Retailers know how important it is to ensure their product range is up to date and fresh, and will be happy they have been able to get rid of some excess in readiness for new stock in the new year. This especially rings true for casual clothing and household goods.

“Retailers with an online presence also found they were able to offer their online customers a shopping experience from as early as Christmas Day.

“Many shoppers forewent the traditional post Christmas lunch nap and instead logged onto their favourite online stores to cast an early line for bargains.

“We will have to wait and see what 2012 will bring for retailers, but the fact that consumers are out there now shows there’s some momentum for positive growth across the sector,” 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.

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

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