It’s hard to believe that we are now just two weeks away from Christmas Day! I know that many of you are in full swing as you enter the most frantic part of the festive season, so I’ll keep this week’s message brief.
Last Thursday the ABS released its October retail sales figures and the results were promising for the sector. As business owners across the country look for signs of consumer confidence increasing, it was heartening to see a solid rise in October sales of 0.3 per cent.
This included increases in all bar one category, while seven of the eight states and territories recorded higher sales figures. The results were by no means record-breaking, however they do indicate that the sector is trending in the right direction at the most important time of the year for retailers.
With the NRA forecasting retail sales totalling more than $50 billion for the Christmas trade period, all the signs are that the sector is on track for its biggest holiday season ever. With extended trading hours beginning to kick in across many parts of the country, we expect things to really ramp up between now and the rest of the month as Aussie shoppers flock to the shops.
All the best for the week ahead!
For further information on any queries you may have please do not hesitate to contact the NRA at 1800 RETAIL (738 245).