Supported by our peak performance partner
With the end-of-year shopping season fast approaching, this hub offers a specially curated collection of reports, and consumer spending insights, all designed to enhance your strategic holiday planning. Recognising the paramount importance of Christmas in the retail calendar, we are dedicated to providing you with the essential tools and insights needed for a successful season, this year and for many more to come.
Explore our carefully selected resources to navigate the holiday retail landscape with confidence.
Projected spend 2026, up 4% on 2025
Projected sales in 2026, up 4% on 2025
Here’s a snapshot of 2026 gifting trends for Australian consumers.
Forecast for 2025 gift spending, up $200 million (+1.7%) on 2025
New resources will be added periodically.
Get the Australia Post Peak Playbook for all the tips on labelling, packaging, returns and more – in one handy document.
Level-up your parcel preparation with these how-to videos, designed to help you keep peak season running smoothly.
From tracking to delivery and returns, they’re ideal to retrain or refresh your teams ahead of the sales season.
Holiday cheer is returning to Australian shoppers, with Deloitte’s 14th Retail Holiday Report revealing optimism for the festive season. Despite cost-of-living pressures, consumers are seeking value, convenience and seamless experiences.
Discover how AI, global marketplaces and in-store traditions are shaping retail this Christmas.
Consider this your seasonal playbook: a guide to this year’s consumer sentiment, spending intentions and expectations. Plus, the strategies that will keep your brand relevant, visible and chosen, when it matters most.
The bottom line: Holidays are connections, not chaos. The brands that understand this will sleigh the season.
Presenting the Christmas & Holidays Trading Hours Summary for 2026-2027, a practical resource designed to guide retailers through this busy period.
This page outlines trading hours for the upcoming summer shopping season, providing an overview of when businesses are expected to open and close their doors during the festive holiday period depending on their location and exemption status.
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The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone, including customers.
Prepare yourself and your team to confidently and effectively manage challenging customer situations during the busy Christmas period.
Learn strategies to diffuse tensions while ensuring a positive shopping experience for everyone, minimising negative impacts on you, your colleagues, other shoppers and the customer.
Two ways to access the training that best suits your needs.
The Australian Retailers Association is currently delivering several Certificate II in Retail Services programs across Sydney & Brisbane, preparing graduates just in time for the holiday rush. As well as the Customer Engagement Skill set in Melbourne.
Our graduates will have excellent customer service skills including the art of engaging and managing customers to ensure they are retail ready to add value to your teams.
This is the perfect opportunity to source your next recruits directly from our programs at no cost. If you are looking for staff, please reach out to the ARA Retail Institute to learn more.
