NSW: Retailers forecast bumper year for post-Christmas sales

AAP General News (Australia)
12-25-2008
NSW: Retailers forecast bumper year for post-Christmas sales

SYDNEY, Dec 25 AAP - Despite the economic downturn, Australians are tipped to fork
out more than $14 billion on the post-Christmas sales, retail industry experts say.

The Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) forecasts that cash registers
around the nation will ring up a combined total greater than last year.

"Australians are expected to spend almost $14.6 billion at the shops, compared to $14.1
billion last year over the Boxing Day and New Year period," ANRA boss Margy Osmond said
in a statement.

"We've seen some very aggressive pre-Christmas sales, so shoppers can expect retailers
will up the ante from Boxing Day onwards to maintain the momentum going."

Post-Christmas spending is expected to be up on 2007 in all states and territories,
with ANRA forecasting $5.5 billion will be spent between Boxing Day and the end of December
and a further $9 billion between January 1 and January 15.

Major Sydney and Melbourne retailers, including Myer and David Jones, are due to open
at 5am (AEDT) on Friday to a crowd of eager bargain hunters.

At David Jones' Elizabeth Street store in Sydney's CBD, Australian singer Delta Goodrem
will launch the retailer's 103rd post-Christmas clearance with an appearance of the Australian
diva due at 5.50am (AEDT).

In South Australia, shoppers have to wait until Saturday to snare a bargain with shops
closed on Friday.

"After a tough year, retailers are working hard to attract shoppers and move stock
left over from Christmas," Australian Retailers Association (ARA) director Richard Evans
said in a statement.

"Generous sales of up to 70 per cent off or more should continue for two weeks into January.

"There may be longer lines and delays in changerooms and at the register, but with
a little patience shoppers can enjoy some big savings this Boxing Day."

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KEYWORD: XMAS SALES

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