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Christmas shopping rush underway
[Wed 14/12/2011 12:38:18]
CEO Margy Osmond says retailers will be anticipating a rush of customers especially after the Reserve Bank cut the interest rate last week.
“We are predicting a 3.85 per cent increase in spending in 2011 compared with 2010 and we are just reaching the ‘pointy end’ of Christmas retailing,” she says. “ANRA anticipates Aussies will part with $6.5 billion this week, with the biggest spend in New South Wales.
“There are slight differences around the country – NSW people plan to do most of their shopping two weeks out – so they top spending this week with $2.2 billion going through the stores. Likewise, West Australians will get into the stores this week and get the bulk of their gift buying finished and ready to go under the tree well before the December 25.
“However, in South Australia two weeks out is the slowest retail week with only $370million in sales anticipated there.”
Most consumers plan to spend the same amount on gifts this year as they did in 2010 with only 31 per cent planning to spend less a five per cent drop on last year.
“Family is the leading category for people to buy for – 71 per cent of us buy for family and children come a close second (61 per cent). Just over 13 per cent of us will put something under the tree for a furry or finned friend and twice as many women as men will buy for their pets (18 per cent of women, nine per cent of men).
“Those aged between 18 and 24 also list pets on their gift giving list – 18 per cent of their pets will find a little something special under the tree with their name on it this year,” she adds.
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As the big day draws near Christmas spending is expected to spike by 10 per cent this week according to economic modeling from the 
