Territorians expected to spend $183 million on Boxing Day sales
TERRITORIANS are expected to spend more than $183 million in post Christmas sales this year, with one last shopping spree set to farewell the year that was 2020
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TERRITORIANS are expected to spend more than $183 million in post Christmas sales this year, with one last shopping spree set to farewell the year that was 2020.
It’s an increase of 3.1 per cent on last year’s spend – one of the smallest increases in the nation.
But Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra said after the year they’d had, retailers would be pleased with the Christmas trading period.
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“For many retailers, 2020 has been a year to forget, so it’s fantastic to see the sector finish the year off on a high and we’re all looking to 2021 with fresh optimism,” he said.
“Boxing Day is our biggest trading day of the year and there’ll be plenty of bargains available for people to snap up.”
Trade has been bubbling in the lead up to Christmas but it may be a different year for shoppers now used to months of pandemic etiquette.
“Just this week, the ABS put out preliminary figures showing a record 13.2% year on year increase in trade for November,” Mr Zahra said.
“In-store traffic may be down this year, as more consumers discover the convenience of online shopping. However, the retail industry has done a fantastic job ensuring their stores are COVID-safe for the Christmas shopping season, and consumers can look forward to shopping with confidence knowing their safety comes first and foremost”.
More than 37,000 are expected to go through Casuarina Shopping Centre to make the most of the Boxing Day sales and splash some of their Christmas cash.
Sacha King is one who will be battling the queues today, hoping to get her hands on some more important necessities she’s not likely to get as a present.
“On Boxing Day I think more about what gifts do a practically need, rather than presents I want,” she said.
“It’s a good time to shop because you know every year there will be sales on.
“I like buying present before Christmas I’ve been keeping an eye out for something I might need that I won’t get for Christmas.”
Casuarina Square centre manager Polly Lamond said with 180 retailers hosting up to 50 per cent off storewide, Casuarina Square would be the number one destination to shop for all the Boxing Day sales.
“Casuarina Square will be the number one place in the Territory to grab a bargain this Boxing Day, with the vast majority of retailers offering sales events over a full day of trade,” she said. “The centre will be open from 9am to 6pm, and with up to 50 per cent off, we’re excited to be providing Territorians with a wonderful day of shopping after what has been a tough year for many.”
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It will mean about 575,000 will come through the shopping centres doors in December, with 538,000 visiting so far.
Gateway Marketing director Carol Angelosanto said they were expecting their biggest crowds for the year, as they always do, on Boxing Day.
“The Boxing Day Sale is an important event in many ways. It allows our stores to clear merchandise at reduced prices and to bring in special sale merchandise specifically for the event,” she said.
“Additional late trading hours have been popular with many workers choosing to leisurely shop the major stores later in the evening.”
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