More than $2 billion is expected to go through the tills on Boxing Day, according to new data by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).
The ARA estimates $45 billion will be spent in pre-Christmas sales from November 5 until December 24, representing a 4.3 per cent gain during the same period in 2013, and is forecasting a whopping $2.072 billion to be spent on December 26 alone – a year on year increase of $72 million.
Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said if Boxing Day 2013 was anything to go by, retailers are in for another successful day of sales this Friday.
“Boxing Day 2013 saw unprecedented crowds, with many stores forced to restrict entrance due to the sheer number of people already in store. Many shoppers spent hours waiting in lines – lining up to get into the store as well as lining up to make their purchases,” Zimmerman said.
“While retail staff do a fantastic job of preparing for their Boxing Day sales, the ARA does encourage shoppers to remain patient and understanding if they plan to hit the shops this Friday.
“Overall, the fact that Boxing Day sales are set to increase by $72 million this year is a fantastic sign for the retail industry. The ARA does have remaining concerns, however, that some retailers in some states across Australia are disadvantaged by restrictive reading hours that prevent them from opening their stores on Boxing Day. We urge the government to review these restrictions as soon as possible,” Zimmerman said.
