JobKeeper cuts could be offset by strong Christmas sales in Alice Springs, according to NT Chamber of Commerce

THE reduction in the federal government’s JobKeeper payments could be partially offset by strong holiday sales for some Alice Springs businesses, according to the NT Chamber of Commerce.

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THE reduction in the federal government’s JobKeeper payments could be partially offset by strong holiday sales for some Alice Springs businesses.

“We’ve seen some really, really strong numbers, especially in the lead-up to Christmas,” NT Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer Nicole Walsh said.

“Sales figures have been really good, though not for everyone of course.

“Locals have been spending, people haven’t gone away for Christmas so there’s been money in town.

“The feedback that we’ve received has been that retail in particular has been really strong.”

Ms Walsh said the strong holiday period had coincided with the return of interstate travellers.

The reduction in the federal government’s JobKeeper payments could be partially offset by strong holiday sales for some Alice Springs businesses, according to the NT Chamber of Commerce.

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However, Yeperenye Shopping Centre Property Portfolio manager David Maher said it could be some time before businesses in Alice Springs realised the full impact of the cut.

“I think it’s going to be a case of wait and see,” Mr Maher said.

The cut could have a knock-on effect for sales by limiting people’s disposable income.

“The shops that have done particularly well are those that go after the youth market,” Mr Maher said. “I can’t say why exactly, but if you’re working part-time or casual or on the dole and suddenly your income triples due to JobKeeper or JobSeeker, you’ve got a lot more disposable income.”

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Mad Harry’s discount store owner Craig Lambley never had to apply for JobKeeper.

“Speaking locally, people have had more disposable income because they haven’t been able to travel interstate,” Mr Lambley said.