Christmas shopping: Victorians flock in festive frenzy

GET the inside track on the hottest Christmas sales as Victorians descend on retailers for what is tipped to be one of the biggest Christmas spending sprees in Australian history. Here’s all you need to know before you get shopping.

CHRISTMAS shoppers have flooded bricks and mortar stores despite the launch of online giant Amazon’s Australian site this week.

Chadstone and Highpoint were overflowing with present-hunting shoppers who wanted to make sure their gifts arrived in time for Christmas morning.

Amazon’s launch has been underwhelming this week, with some items more expensive than traditional shops.

A Sunday Herald Sun price check yesterday found some items were up to $100 more expensive on Amazon compared with Myer.

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Nadine Stanton with her children Ruby, 6, Matilda, 9, and Maggie, 6, from Cadello. Picture: Josie Hayden

Busy shoppers out today at Bourke Street Mall. Picture: Josie Hayden

And JB Hi Fi shoppers were able to get iPhone X for $270 less than advertised on Amazon’s website.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) executive director Russell Zimmerman said Amazon had a “soft launch”.

“Ninety-three per cent of people still shop in bricks and mortar stores,” he said.

He said Amazon would review its prices once it had more data from the market.

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Michael Bretherton and Charlee Bretherton, 7, with Kristine Bretherton and Crosby Bretherton, 5, from Mansfield. Picture: Josie Hayden

People busy shopping in Burke Street Mall. (L-R) Michael Bretherton, Charlee Bretherton (7), Kristine Bretherton and Crosby Bretherton (5) from Mansfield. Picture: Josie Hayden

But Mr Zimmerman said given it was only two weeks to Christmas most people would be shopping in person because of delivery times.

“There may have been a lot of change throughout the industry this year, but one thing is for sure, and that’s the fact that Australians love Christmas, as Christmas is the season of giving,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Anna Bucknall, 26, of Maryborough, was shopping at Chadstone yesterday.

She said she preferred the real experience of shopping compared to online.

“You get to try everything and see it in real life, you know exactly what you’re buying,” she said.

Zoey Kerr, 24, said: “It’s all about atmosphere and its more social. I like shopping in a group.”

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Matilda Boseley, 20, of Elwood has been shopping up a storm in Melbourne's CBD. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Maisie Adams, Ellen Healy, and Matilda Boseley shopping in Melbourne. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Retailers across the state can scoop up some major bargains in what is tipped to be among the biggest festive spending sprees.

Luxurious skin care, make-up, fragrance and gift sets are all on special, making them the perfect gift to stick under the Christmas tree.

Myer has also slashed the price of stock, including home decor products.

Major shopping centres, such as Chadstone and Highpoint, have extended their trading hours to cope with the stampede, with Victorians expected to spend more than $12.7 billion.

That would be 3.9 per cent — or almost $500 million — more than last Christmas.

Australians will spend more than $50 billion on yuletide cheer, according to the ARA.

Shopping centre trading hours for Christmas.

Food retailers will have their wishes granted, with hungry Aussies expected to spend more than $20 billion on their tucker for the festive season.

Victoria is second only to NSW for festive spending with our northern neighbours tipped to spend $16.2 billion.

University student Matilda Boseley, 20, said she tried to shop as early as possible.

“It can be hard to think of what presents to buy … I thought I would be smart and hit the shops earlier to avoid crowds, but the shopping frenzy has started early this year, it was still pretty packed,” she said.

Ms Boseley said finding the right deal was essential on a student budget.

“It’s difficult to find something that is enough, but not spending heaps of money at the same time,” she said.

Carlton woman Ellen Healy, 26, said she preferred to shop at the last minute.

“I plan all my presents ahead meticulously so I don’t wander around shopping — I get it all done in one afternoon,” she said.

Ms Healy planned to buy half of her gifts online because it was more convenient.

Haigh’s Chocolates Block Arcade store began extended trading hours last week.

Worker Kammie Shim said the first week of December had been “really, really crazy busy”.

“There are already long queues, people are lining up to shop here,” she said.

Ms Shim said the Christmas range was flying off the shelves with some shoppers buying so much chocolate they needed to make multiple trips.

“We’re only expecting it to get busier,” she said.

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