RETAILERS BANK ON SUN, SURF, SANTA AND SPENDING
SANTA Claus is coming to town as the countdown to Christmas signals a spending frenzy on the Gold Coast ahead of the holiday period.
Locals are expected to spend up big this festive season, much to the delight of retailers who anticipate lifestyle services, beauty and ‘experiences’ including movie tickets and restaurant vouchers to be big ticket items this spending season.
An Australian retail association spokeswoman said “temporary novelties” such as concerts were going to be a much sought-after gift as well as local retailers using trends to sell unique novelties in pop-up shops, showrooms and concept stores to entice shoppers this Christmas.
Also drawing crowds are the ever-popular Santa setups at shopping centres, with mums and dads braving the crowds to snap festive pictures of their little ones with the bearded man himself.
Five-year-old Sophie Whitfield was one of the first to pay the Robina Town Centre Saint Nick a visit.
“I asked Santa for a Hatchimal toy for Christmas because I really want one,” she said.
Sophie’s mother Kirsten Whitfield said this was Sophie’s first picture with Santa.
“She’s always been a bit scared, but she was so excited to have her picture taken with him this year, so it’s very cute,” she said.
Sophie and her family will spend Christmas on the beach like many other Gold Coasters who are expected to lap up the sun and the surf this festive season.
Santa will assume his position in his Enchanted Forest for snaps at Robina Town Centre until Christmas Eve.
Major shopping centres across the Coast, including Westfield Helensvale and The Pines Elanora, will also feature a visit from Santa this Christmas.