From food hampers to the latest tech, retailers reveal their last-minute gift options
Hobart retailers are bracing themselves for a bumper three days of trade as shoppers hunt down last-minute gift ideas.
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HOBART retailers are bracing for a bumper three days of trade as shoppers search for last-minute gifts.
The National Retail Association has forecast that $990 million will be spent at Tasmanian outlets this Christmas.
RECORD SPEND TO BRING PLENTY OF RETAIL CHEER
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said the next three days were crucial for small and large businesses across Tasmania.
“It’s vital that Tasmanians shop locally because small businesses are employing local people and supporting the community,” he said.
“A bumper Christmas will help see them through the quieter months next year.”
Connected technology such as Google Home and Amazon Echo are the big tech items this Christmas, according to JB Hi-Fi Rosny Park sales manager Sam Bird.
“Last Christmas there was only Google Home, and now there is a smart home solution,” he said. “Drones have become increasingly popular as they become cheaper too.”
Gaming consoles continue to sell well, with the PlayStation Classic tapping into the nostalgic gamer in many of us.
The much-loved Harris Scarfe department store returned to Hobart earlier this year to continue the retail revival in the CBD after the Myer stage 2 opening.
Harris Scarfe general manager of marketing Simon Burrett said the store was doing well with its Boxing Day Early sale.
“Customers are loving the lighter, brighter feel, wider aisles and easier shopping layout,” he said.
Hobart Myer store manager Kathy Kelly said it was expecting thousands of shoppers through the doors of Myer Hobart this weekend.
“This year our unique confectionary gift is the personalised Toblerone, available exclusively at Myer for $9.99,” she said.
“A Myer gift card is a great gift option for anyone who is a little tricky to buy for.”
Hill Street Grocer marketing and communications manager Emma Munnings anticipates the Christmas period to cap off a great year for the chain.
“It’s been our best year yet,” she said.
Ms Munnings said the grocer’s popular range of Christmas hampers, starting at $69, were an ideal present.
“They are packaged beautifully … They contain lots of Tasmanian products and we have plenty of people buying them for people on the mainland.”
Luke Jamieson, manager of Eastlands and Northgate shopping centres, said foot traffic had been steadily increasing.
“With the timing of Christmas Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we’re expecting a lot of last-minute shoppers this weekend,” he said.
“Photos with Santa continue to be a really popular attraction, and that will be happening right up until Christmas Eve.”
Food and drink go hand-in-hand with festive celebrations, as restaurants and cafes cash in on end-of-year celebrations.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said the hospitality industry would try to end the year with a bang.
“There are more restaurants opening on Christmas Day, in part because there are more requests from customers to do it,” he said.
SHOPPERS URGED TO TAKE A RIDE
HOBART shoppers are being urged to ditch the car and use the park-and-ride service.
Each year at Christmas, the Hobart City Council hosts free parking at the Regatta Grounds and provides a free shuttle bus to and from the city centre. The service runs until Christmas Eve.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey urged shoppers to be patient.
“The more people that can use public transport the better,” he said. “To all potential customers, be patient and plan ahead.”
The shuttle bus runs in a continuous loop between the Regatta Grounds and the city, dropping passengers off at 85 Elizabeth St and outside the Royal Hobart Hospital on Argyle St if required.
The gates will open to the Regatta Grounds at 9.15am each day and will be locked at 6pm each evening.
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