Tills are ringing as Tassie spends up

TASMANIANS are spending big on Christmas, forking out $1192 on toys and games, clothing, alcohol, gift cards and electronics this festive season, according to the latest global survey.

The Ferratum Group’s Christmas Barometer, which reviews consumer spending behaviours during the holidays, says Tasmanians will spend 22 per cent of their average monthly income on Christmasrelated purchases — the lowest in the country.

On the other end of the scale, ACT consumers are expected to be the country’s biggest spenders, with an estimated spend of $1563.

More than 21,000 households were part of the survey, with respondents aged between 18 and 61.

“When it comes to holiday spending, on a global scale, we’re up there as a nation of big spenders and, just like Swedish and UK consumers, we spend the most on toys and games followed by clothing,” it said.

“Surprisingly, unlike European consumers, who will be turning to online shopping as their preferred method of shopping this Christmas, 75 per cent of Aussies are expected to get the tills ringing the traditional way by visiting bricks and mortar shops.”

Roger Jaensch, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, is urging Tasmanians to “buy local” to protect jobs and return money to the state’s economy.

“Tasmania’s retail sector continues to go from strength to strength with the latest figures revealing that over the past 12 months retail turnover has jumped 2.2 per cent and is up nearly 13 per cent,” he said.

Erin Kirkman, state manager of clothing retailer Yeltuor, says that while the internet is great for window shopping, there is nothing like the personalised experience shoppers get by shopping locally, particularly in relation to the fit and feel of clothing.

She said the store’s retail sales had been consistent in the lead-up to Christmas because of a loyal clientele. “But we are just now starting to see some of that lastminute shopping,” she said.

When it comes to holiday spending, on a global scale, we’re up there as a nation of big spenders