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Australians are expected to spend around $3.3 billion in the two days before Christmas as shoppers take advantage of extended retail hours.
The figure is part of $8 billion predicted by the Retail Council to be spent by shoppers in the seven days to December 25.
Some stores across the country are opening their doors for a marathon 36 hours to accommodate the last-minute rush to buy gifts.
“According to the Index, last minute shoppers are indecisive about what gifts to buy, waiting on loved ones to decide on what they’d like, are too busy or are procrastinating from finishing their Christmas shopping,†said Steve Wright, acting CEO of the Retail Council.
“Department stores and shopping centres are likely to be nearing capacity this weekend, with increased foot traffic as shoppers hunt around for their last minute gifts.â€
According to the council’s statistics, 15 per cent of Australians will be looking to finalise their gift purchases this weekend, taking advantage of extended store trading hours and shopping at off-peak times which are more convenient to them.â€
According to research commissioned by David Jones, one in three Aussies will do their Christmas shopping this week in gearing up for the festive celebration, with one in ten shopping on Christmas Eve.
DJs said Gen Y are the most likely to buy last minute while half (47 per cent) of those who leave it to the last minute find it stressful because they don’t know what presents to get. “The research substantiates what is seen in numbers over the trading period for David Jones, which is that the last few days of Christmas are always the busiest,†the company said.
Meanwhile shopping centres have thrown their doors open in the final onslaught before Christmas day.
All Westfield centres across Australia will keep their doors open longer, by offering extended trading hours and midnight trading. From December 22-23, Westfield Marion in SA will participate in non-stop-shop, a 36-hour trading period, while other shopping centres in NSW and Victoria will engage in similar initiatives.
“Extended Christmas trading hours are all about convenience for our shoppers,†said John Warn, group GM, centre experience, Scentre Group.
“This is always a busy period and we’re expecting to see millions of customers across the state take advantage of the flexibility to shop at a time that suits them.â€
Elsewhere, over 185,000 shoppers are expected to visit Highpoint shopping centre in Melbourne, as the centre launches a marathon 32 hour non-stop trade from today until tomorrow.
Highpoint’s major retailers will remain open for 32 hours as the centre operates a range of activities and guest services including a relaxation station, ‘roaming refreshments’ for visitors to fuel up on food and drink freebies and a Christmas Wunderland – a large-scale sensory playground for the young.
“Many of our customers leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute so Highpoint’s priorities during 32-Hour Trade are to offer convenience and accessibility,†said Ryan Ling, Highpoint centre manager.
“We are ultimately delivering a one-stop-shopping experience that covers all festive needs and supports our customers in the best way possible during this busy time.â€
This years top Christmas sellers, according to David Jones:
- The Nutribullet – $299.99
- Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm – $19.90
- Breville Coffee Machine – $799
- Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer – $599
- SKII Crystal Clear Skin Set – $249
- Glasshouse ‘Before Christmas Triple Scented Candle’ – $44.95
- David Jones ‘Sweet Treats’ Christmas Hamper – $49.95
- Lego Creator Ferris Wheel – $299.99
- David Jones Gift Card (10% contribution of loaded amount to Smith Family)
- Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 100ml – $234
- The Daily Edited monogramed leather accessories – from $49.95
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