Retailers across the nation are preparing for a busy period of last-minute purchases, bargain hunting and fresh-food orders in the lead-up to December 25.

The National Retail Association has revealed Australians are set to splurge $21.5 billion in the final period. Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said: “This is a 3.9% increase on last year’s spend, as shoppers grab gifts and décor, as well ordering fresh food for the big day.

“Spending will largely be in-store as many of the online delivery cut-off dates have already passed, but this is great news for our bricks-and-mortar retailers, many of whom are still recovering from less foot traffic during the pandemic.”

Carroll said the cost of living pressures have prompted consumers to approach their festive spending a little differently this year.

“Due to rising inflation and interest rates, consumers kicked off their Christmas shopping earlier than previous years to spread the cost of their celebrations.

“People have been shopping more often, but with smaller purchases, so it’s no surprise retailers will be run off their feet in the final 10 days.

The NRA forecast Australians will spend a total of $60.6 billion throughout the Christmas trade period, which encompasses half of November and all of December.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing across Australia’s shopping centres with the Southern hemisphere’s largest fully integrated retail and lifestyle destination the largest shopping destination – Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, a hive of activity. Brimming with splendour, reimagined decorations and an upgraded Santa Photography Set promise a premium, world-class experience.

Chadstone Centre Manager Daniel Boyle expressed his excitement to witness the flurry of festive activity including traditions old and new under the gridshell roof.

“The magic of Christmas is well and truly alive at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital,” said Daniel Boyle.

“We’re proud to offer a world-class experience to the visitors that will come from near and far to immerse themselves in Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s the annual pilgrimage to have their photo with Santa or attending the Boxing Day sales for a bargain, we promise there’s something for everyone under the gridshell roof this Christmas.”

Christmas week traditionally sees about half a million visitors through the doors at Chadstone to spend big on homewares, sporting, and apparel, but it’s in the finishing touches and fresh food precinct where the impressive numbers can be found at The Fashion Capital:

• Card and Caboodle expects to sell 20,000 Christmas cards and will see 20,000 metres of wrapping paper fly out the door. Their team spend 80 hours on wrapping for their customers in the last week before Christmas
• Over December, Chadstone seafood retailer Maguro will sell more than 2,000kg in fresh oysters equating to roughly 40,000 oysters. While Yarra Range Chicken will sell more than 100 full size turkeys in the coming days
• Chadstone’s Colonial Fresh Market will serve up close to 1.5 tonnes of Australian Cherries and two tonnes of watermelon in the days prior to Christmas
• Bakers Delight Chadstone will sell 5,000 mince tarts and 5,000 bread rolls, respectively in the week leading into Christmas
• Typo will sell more than 5,000 hand-painted ornaments; and
• Last year, gift cards were the stand-out go-to for the hard-to-buy-for with over 6,000 sold in the week of Christmas alone equating to close to $1m, contributing to an overall total of $3.1m in Gift Cards purchased in November-December.