Latest research by ARA and Roy Morgan show that retailers will spend $42.1 billion in pre-Christmas

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers could count on some steady improvement in retail sales over the Christmas period, based on 2013 Christmas sales predictions prepared by ARA research partner Roy Morgan Research.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said shoppers would put about $42.1 billion through retail tills from 14 November until 25 December, representing a 3.3 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2012 ($40.7 billion).

"The 3.3 percent growth may result in shoppers starting their Christmas shopping a little earlier this year, rather than leaving it until late December. However, we also know that the week before Christmas will remain the busiest time for pre-Christmas shopping, and therefore the most lucrative time for retailers.

"The ARA is pushing for an interest rate cut in December as retailers are counting on the lead up to Christmas as an opportunity to catch up on past slower retail sales and get back on track financially.

"With 6.2 percent predicted growth, apparel sales indicate an increase in consumer confidence for the Christmas period.  

"Much like 2012, food and hospitality are expected to account for a significant percent of the overall projected figure, while other categories such as department stores and clothing, footwear and personal accessories may rely on last minute Christmas sales and promotions for any significant growth in sales.

"It is encouraging to see all states and territories likely to experience positive growth for the 2013 pre-Christmas shopping period. Tasmania was the only state facing negative growth in 2012, so it is promising to see Tasmania predicted to flourish alongside the other states and territories this year," Mr Zimmerman said.  

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia's $258 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041

Category	2012 pre Xmas Actual results (millions)	2013 Forecast  Xmas Sales (millions)	Predicted Growth
FOOD	16,803	17,334	3.2%
HH GOODS	6,829	7,017	2.8%
APPAREL	3,036	3,225	6.2%
DEPARTMENT STORES	2,890	2,926	1.2%
OTHER	5,726	5,901	3.1%
HOSPITALITY	5,444	5,675	4.2%
NATIONAL	40,728	42,077	3.3%

State	2012 pre Xmas Actual results (millions)	2013 Forecast Xmas Sales (millions)	Predicted Growth
NSW	12,270	12,743	3.9%
VIC	10,163	10,511	3.4%
QLD	8511	8,827	3.7%
SA	2751	2,861	4.0%
WA	5033	5,058	0.5%
TAS	795	824	3.7%
NT	457	480	5.2%
ACT	748	772	3.2%
NATIONAL	40,728	42,077	3.3%