Cairns business: Retailers buoyant in countdown to Christmas

Far Northerners are hitting the shops in full festive force this week with retailers reporting brisk trade – although some are apprehensive with the mask mandate taking effect.

FAR North shoppers are out in droves with Christmas only days away and a celebratory mood prevailing with Queensland borders open – but plenty are not keen on wearing masks.

At Smithfield Shopping Centre, Sue Savage of Holy Sheet, which specialises in bedding, homewares and giftwares, said trade had slowed since mask-wearing became mandatory on December 18.

GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOURS IN CAIRNS

Masks are now required at shopping centres, supermarkets and retail shops and strongly recommended at indoor hospitality venues.

“We had a great start and thought we were pretty well on track, but it’s definitely slowed down with the mask wearing,” Mrs Savage said.

“With the borders open and mask-wearing, a lot of people, especially the elderly, are a little scared coming back out, but we are still holding our own,”

Christmas shopping is in full swing at Cairns Central, the city's largest shopping centre. Friends Jade Sundman and Emerentiana Ningiga, pictured ahead of the introduction of the mask mandate, shopping for presents for their friends and family. Picture: Brendan Radke

Totem Clothing and Accessories manager Crystal Brooks said business had been steady.

“It seems to be a bit quiet, but it may get better during the week,” Ms Brooks said.

At Cairns Central, Cairns Books owner Mark Steedman was positive.

“It is going well, we are having a good year – we are very much a last-minute gift option so the next few days are critical, but so far, so good,” Mr Steedman said.

At gift store Eggplant & Poppy in Oceana Walk in the city, Kirsty Boyce said business was booming.

“We are absolutely flatstick, super duper busy – usually the weekend before Christmas is massive, and it will amp up again over the next couple of days,” she said.

Cairns businesses are welcoming shoppers who are looking to get last minute gifts: Picture: Getty Images

At Stockland Earlville, Karma House owner Chris Bolt said she was pleased with trade.

“We are doing great, not as good as last year when there was extra money floating around, but we are doing extremely well,” she said.

Lendlease regional general manager Chris Barton said trade had been good at the company's Far North centres.

“The overall retail performance of our centres has remained very promising during the festive season, with last week the busiest week we’ve had all year at both Cairns Central and Smithfield,” he said.

“We anticipate this trend will continue through to Boxing Day sales.”

He said Covid-safe measures included increased hand sanitiser stations, frequent cleaning of all customer touch points and wearing of masks by staff and customers in line with state government guidelines.

Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said that state borders opening up gave businesses certainty, which drove consumer confidence.

Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said businesses had strong momentum.

“Retail sales are continuing to accelerate in the run up to Christmas,” Mr Zahra said.

“There’s a real buzz in the air at our major shopping destinations.”

He said borders opening up gave businesses certainty, which drove confidence.

But supply chain disruptions and staff shortages were significant issues for retailers, he said.

“While we’re now seeing the gradual return of international students and skilled migrants, staffing will remain a challenge with many businesses unable to trade at their full potential,” Mr Zahra said.

Some Far North businesses have been forced to operate at reduced hours or days because they’ve had to let go of unvaccinated staff and have struggled to find new staff.

Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Brad Winks said there was a high level of compliance with the new Covid rules over the weekend.

“By and large the Cairns community has been very supportive, as they have been for all our activities right throughout the Covid response,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns business: Retailers buoyant in countdown to Christmas