Christmas spirit ramps up as retailers brace for crowds

Sydney Fish markets. Picture James HoranWith Australians set to spend more than $48.1 billion in retail stores over the Christmas trading period from November 14 to December 24 2016, Roy Morgan’s Young Australians Survey has predicted the hottest-selling gifts for kids this Christmas.

Apple electronics top the ‘cool list’ with 69 per cent of children voting the iPad as the best gift this Christmas, closely followed by 54 per cent of children thinking the iPhone will be a nice stocking surprise.

While Apple-branded products take out majority of the top 10 hottest products this Christmas, the Fitbit appears to be the favourite among adults. This product continues to take the lead as the number one searched for gift two years in a row.

Meanwhile Steve Cox, Dymocks managing director said “it can’t be Christmas without the magic of Harry Potter,” and that the recent release of the Illustrated Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the original screenplay of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, had fuelled sales.

Elsewhere, the perennial 36-hour seafood marathon will be taking place at Sydney Fish Market, starting on Friday and continuing a twenty year tradition.

ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman said fresh fish, prawns, oysters and scallops are likely to be on everyone’s Christmas menu this year, with their being expectations of over 200 tonnes of prawns, and 900,000 oysters being sold over the 36 hour period.

“With the sun promising to shine brightly this Christmas day, we are expecting Australians to shop big on fresh seafood for the long-anticipated Christmas barbie,” he said.

Over 100,000 visitors are expected to visit Sydney Fish Market during the marathon, with 700 tonnes of fresh seafood to be traded – the equivalent weight to 350,000 Christmas trees.

“The 36-hour seafood marathon is a longstanding tradition for us,” said Bryan Skepper, GM, Sydney Fish Market.

“Visitors can expect a colourful and exciting atmosphere throughout the 36 hours – it is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy the buzz of the marathon, stock up on Christmas supplies and enjoy some delicious seafood on the boardwalk.”

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