Over 14 million Australians will flock to independent retailers this Christmas, continuing a recent trend that has seen shoppers increasingly favour local stores for gifts for loved ones, according to a YouGov survey in conjunction with Vend.
With campaigns such as ‘Buy from the Bush’ in New South Wales, there’s growing momentum and sentiment for supporting local retailers, with more than 77 per cent saying they’d support their local retailers this Christmas.
Christmas is all about friends and family, and giving gifts that make people smile comments Dave Scheine, Vend managing director, APAC.
“In recent years, it has become more apparent that independent retailers are well positioned to embrace this emotional pull and catering to shoppers in search of bespoke and personalised products.
“People are increasingly more inclined to search for unique, personalised gifts rather than those available on mass from high street giants. The data shows us that in recent years, retailers who go above and beyond to produce exceptional quality products are seeing very healthy growth and this shows no sign of slowing.”
Research also shows that shoppers are leaving it late(r) to do their Christmas shopping. Indeed, the biggest day in the Christmas shopping calendar during 2018 was 21 December, with busy shoppers making almost a quarter of a million purchases (247,000 sales) and spending a total of $16 million in one day.
“People seem to leave gift shopping later in the year; I’m expecting the last three weeks before Christmas to be our busiest,” Kate Inglish, owner of New South Wales based Kate Inglish Designs, adds.
“Foot traffic has been increasing these last couple weeks though, and we’re seeing 60 to 90 customers through the store every day, which is great. The most popular Christmas gifts so far have been our Miniland dolls and little metal and wooden bikes.”
Other gifts that are very popular include novelty souvenirs and gifts (over 16 million) and home furnishings (more than $14 million).
In total, three quarters of Aussies say that they will look to buy at least a few items from independent stores in their post-Christmas shopping (75 per cent).
