Spending up a treat this Christmas
The time of giving, aka spending, is fast approaching, but have shoppers started their Christmas shopping or is it all being left to the last minute?
As Santa’s annual trip to the top of the south approaches, retailers in Marlborough say they have already noticed a spike in sales.
Christmas decorations and parents ticking off toys have been a common theme, with demand for some toys described as ‘‘phenomenal’’.
The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery regional manager Chris Watkins said the most popular toys in Blenheim were the LOL Surprise Dolls.
‘‘Demand for these has been phenomenal since landing in store a couple of months ago. Other favourites for Christmas include Lego, Hot Wheels, Hatchimals and classic board games.
‘‘If shoppers have a particular toy in mind for Christmas, we’d recommend getting in early to avoid missing out,’’ Watkins said.
The recent hot weather had also played a role in sales.
‘‘We’ve also seen a spike in sales across a range of summer accessories as the warmer weather hit last week, with items such as
‘‘Fans and paddling pools have also rushed out the door.’’ Chris Watkins, The Warehouse regional manager
beach wear, summer clothing and pool accessories proving popular. Fans and paddling pools have also rushed out the door,’’ Watkins said.
Thomas’s Department Store owner Hamish Thomas said they had also seen a spike in summer clothing sales.
‘‘The hot weather’s made a massive difference and that sort of gets people out and about, Shorts, jandals and T-shirts have sold and we’re just starting to see a few more tourists around as well,’’ Thomas said.
But the shop was gearing up for last-minute shoppers, men in particular. ‘‘Always [expecting lastminute shoppers], because it’s such a long lead up as it (Christmas Day) falls on the Monday, so you get a full week, a lot of people will work through till Thursday and do their shopping over the weekend, which tends to be us blokes, the last-minute shoppers,’’ Thomas said.
The Warehouse Top Toy Picks Christmas 2017
LOL Surprise Dolls
Zuru Mayka tape
Twin Hatchimals Suprizamals
Family Feud NZ Edition Star Wars LEGO BB-8 Zuru Brunch O Balloons Plush Masks
NERF Doomlands The Judge
Hot Wheels Rebound Raceway