Christmas is the biggest period on the Australian retail calendar. Throughout November and December, Aussies flock to the shops to purchase presents, fresh food and other goods for the festive season.
It is also a vital time of year for retailers across the nation. A bumper Christmas harvest not only has a positive impact on the bottom-line, it can also help sustain many smaller operators during quieter periods.
In 2019, shoppers can research and purchase items from the comfort of their own home via everyday accessories such as laptops, iPads and iPhones. Changes in consumer behaviour has led to blockbuster online sales events during the Christmas period such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Customers are now placing a greater emphasis on their experience at the shops, not just longstanding criteria such as quality and price. Retailers who are thriving offer interactive services that engage shoppers in new and exciting ways.
We anticipate that this holiday season will see businesses who offer a unique in-store experience, coupled with a savvy online sales avenue, to be the ones who really break new ground.
The National Retail Association prides itself on being at the forefront of modern retail, with our membership spanning both the country and the entire sector. This Christmas promises to be the much-needed circuit breaker for retail following what has been a modest year of sales growth.
Dominique Lamb is available for interviews.
Please contact the NRA’s media unit on 07 3221 9222.