Savvy customers check lists twice
CASH-conscious consumers are making their lists and checking them twice this festive season.
Logan retailers are noticing an increase in thrifty Christmas shoppers with more people on the hunt for the best deal.
My Toys and Hobbies Logan Hyperdome manager Zim Zhang said customers were doing a lot more research this year.
"Customers are looking at products, writing down the prices, going away and checking other prices before coming back to us later to buy," he said.
"We're expecting a huge last-minute rush especially on December 23 which always seems to be our busiest day."
It's a similar story at Gift Affair Logan Hyperdome.
Shop owner Dwayne Eddie has witnessed a slower start when it comes to buying gifts this year.
"Traditionally Melbourne Cup day signals the beginning of the Christmas spending spree but shoppers started later this year," he said.
"We're also expecting a huge last-minute shopping rush."
But Australian Retailers Association (ARA) executive director Russell Zimmerman said retailers could count on steady improvements in sales this festive season.
"While we by no means expect shoppers to be beating down the doors to go Christmas shopping, especially in the early stages, the figures represent growth which will see retailers hear some rings of their tills and gift recipients will certainly find presents under the tree," he said.
Mr Zimmerman said the Reserve Bank's decision to reduce the cash rate by 25 basis points last week was a welcomed Christmas present for retailers.
"The rate cut decision could not have come at a better time, given consumers need all the cash available to them for the festive season and retailers are relying on this to make the most of Christmas trade," he said.
Google has also released research saying Christmas 2012 will hit an historical high for online sales.
Mr Zimmerman said given a lot of online access would include researching products, comparing prices and finding out where retailers were, it was important retail businesses update their web presence as part of the festive preparations.
"Roy Morgan's retail business confidence measure has steadily improved after a midyear downturn and is now tracking for the last six months better than the same period last year in a good indication retailers are more confident in the approach to this year's Christmas season," he said.
