Figures released last week by the Australian Retailers’ Association predict Australian shoppers will spend $45 billion between November 15 and December 24, a 4.3 per cent gain on sales during the same period last year.
WA is predicted to finish fourth among other states and territories for overall spending, well behind New South Wales with $14.16 billion.
Executive director Russell Zimmerman said shoppers might try to beat the late December rush by getting in early.
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READ NOW‘However, we also know that the week before Christmas will remain the busiest time for pre-Christmas shopping and therefore the most profitable time for retailers,’ he said.
Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce president Tony Romano said there was no reason why local retailers would not benefit during the Christmas rush.
‘Those two regions (Cockburn and Melville) have large attractions in Garden City and Cockburn Gateway,’ he said.
‘As a result, a lot of money will be spent there.’
Consumer confidence was growing, resulting in more spending.
‘We’re not in boom times,’ Mr Romano said.
‘It’s not a pre-2006 mentality. There is still a bit of caution but people are willing to spend more money and take a bit more of a risk.’