Christmas rush finally hits in last five days

Newmarket Business Association

Friday, 19 December 2008

Christmas rush finally hits in last five days

Despite a worrying economic outlook, this weekend is set to be the busiest shopping weekend of the year with the Christmas rush finally upon us, claims Auckland's leading shopping district, Newmarket.

"We're encouraging people who want to avoid the last minute rush, to get to town early this weekend. As we've long anticipated the last five days will be very busy," says Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

"A combination of factors has condensed the Christmas rush into five days this year. Most notably people have been holding onto their money until they absolutely have to part with it. Others have been waiting for their last pay cheque to roll in for the year. What's more with Christmas Day falling late in the week, many people have felt comfortable leaving their shopping until the last weekend and early next week.

"Newmarket is anticipating a strong Christmas. The New Zealand Retailers' Association is expecting a solid performance across the country and electronic transaction providers are telling us user volumes are comparable to previous years."

The Newmarket Business Association is asking people to be patient and just enjoy the buzz that is Christmas.

"The next five days are going to hectic and so we're asking people not to forget it is the season of goodwill. People are tired, traffic is heavy, and there are queues for the counters. So we're asking people to be patient, allow themselves plenty of time, and perhaps get to the shops a little earlier than normal.

"This year many people are discovering they're able to buy a lot of their presents on sale. What's more Boxing Day sales are becoming a phenomenon on the retailing calendar. Retail is no longer just about the led up to Christmas, there's an increasing focus on the week after Christmas as well," says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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