Shoppers are expected to spend $16.1 billion during post Christmas sales from Boxing Day through to January 15, 2015.

New research released by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan reveals the figure of $16.1 billion represents an estimated year on year growth of 3.6 per cent.

All states and territories are predicted to experience positive growth post Christmas, ranging from 1.2 per cent in the ACT to 4.2 per cent in NSW.

Some retailers are expected to start their Boxing Day sales as early as Christmas Eve.

ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said last year’s post Christmas predicted sale figure of $15.1 billion was confirmed only slightly higher at $15.5 billion.

“Previous ARA/Roy Morgan Christmas research has been almost spot on every time, meaning retailers can be quite confident that this Christmas will be a merry one,” Zimmerman said.

“Looking at the actual post Christmas sales figures for 2013 and this year’s post Christmas predictions, the hospitality sector shows the highest level of growth at 6.7 per cent.”

Household goods will experience four per cent growth and food 3.6 per cent in post Christmas sales, indicating that gift buying will be replaced by shoppers splurging on household items for themselves as well as dining out.

“After what has been a very tough year in business, the ARA is confident that the retail industry will enjoy a well deserved boost in sales this Christmas and we hope this positive trend will continue into 2015,”  Zimmerman said.

ARA/Roy Morgan Research figures – post Christmas retail sales: