Christmas shopping splurge will go on unabated

Christmas shopping will not be affected by the change of government says Richard Evans, the executive director of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).

“Traditionally late year elections have a negative impact upon Christmas spending, but I would expect that a resounding result in this year’s election will have a positive impact upon consumer spending,” Evans says. “During this election campaign we did not have a dip in demand.”

He expects a 6.7% year-on-year increase in spending this Christmas given consumer confidence during the election campaign.

“While retailers remain concerned about impending changes to labour laws – as they are likely to add to the burden of operational costs, ultimately flowing to the consumer with price increases – this is some time off and will not impact current demand.”