Retailers across Australia are expecting a bumper boost to sales this festive period, a new report has revealed.
Research carried out by Deloitte showed that just 13 per cent of respondents expect their sales to fall this year in comparison to Christmas 2011, with the remainder predicting sales will either increase or stay the same.
In addition, 34 per cent expect to see growth of between one and two per cent in their sales year, with a further 32 per cent stating discount offers will drive growing trade in the first part of December.
"It is still a tough market though and the low margin expectations indicate that the heavy discounting of last Christmas is expected to continue this Christmas," commented Deloitte national leader for retail, wholesale and distribution David White.
Data compiled by Jones Lang LaSalle recently showed that AU$3.16 billion transactions have been made in the retail sector during the first ten months of the year.
Posted by Craig Francis
