One in five Australians have admitted to only starting their Christmas shopping this week, with men found to be the last to join the festive spirit.
Around 12 per cent of males planned to knock off their lists after December 18, compared to just one per cent of women, according to new Australia Post figures.
Rebecca Burrows, Australia Post’s General Manager of Small Business, said there are good reasons behind the festive slackness.
‘What we’re seeing is an increasing trend to late shopping both online and in store, so it seems like people have really gotten used to the convenience of things arriving on time or at the door,’ she told news.com.au.
One in five Australians have admitted to only starting their Christmas shopping this week. Shoppers are pictured in Sydney on Boxing Day last year
Around 12 per cent of males planned to knock off their lists after December 18, compared to just one per cent of women, according to new Australia Post figures
With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, more Australians are finding December 25 creeping up on them faster than expected, according to Ms Burrows.
‘Having a few less shopping or shipping dates, it means the date creeps up a lot quicker,’ she said.
Though time is quickly running out to grab those last minute gifts, those who leave their shopping until the last minute just might be in luck.
With Australian’s expected to splash more than $22billion this festive season, stores across the country have extended their trading hours for some last minute spending.
Retailers such as Westfield, Chadstone, Myer, David Jones, Woolworth and Coles will keep their doors open for present procrastinators, with some even offering all-night bargain buying opportunities.
With Australian’s expected to splash more than $22billion this festive season, stores across the country have extended their trading hours for some last minute spending (stock image)
Westfield Marion in South Australia (pictured) will boast a marathon 36-hour shopping bonanza opening from 9am December 21 until 9pm December 22
Among the stores offering up the chance to snag a late night bargain is Westfield Marion in South Australia, which boasts a marathon 36-hour shopping bonanza.
The store will be open from 9am December 21 until 9pm on December 22, with extended trading hours til 9pm until Wednesday night.
Westfield Parramatta is also offering an incredible ‘Non-stop shop’ with their doors opening at 9.30am on December 21 until 9pm the following day.
While Westfield Sydney will be extending their hours until 9pm from December 18-20 and 22, right up to midnight on December 21, and until 7pm on December 23.
Westfield Parramatta (pictured) is also offering an incredible ‘Non-stop shop’ with their doors opening at 9.30am on December 21 until 9pm the following day
Westfield Sydney (NSW) | Westfield Marion (SA) | Chadstone (VIC) | Forrest Chase (WA) | The Myer Centre (QLD) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 18 | 9.30am – 9pm | 9am – 9pm | 9am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 9am – 7pm |
December 19 | 9.30am – 9pm | 9am – 9pm | 9am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 9am – 9pm |
December 20 | 9.30am – 9pm | 9am – 9pm | 9am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 8am – 9pm |
December 21 | 9.30am – 11.59pm | 9am – 11.59pm | 9am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 8am – 12am |
December 22 | 9.30am – 9pm | 12am – 9pm | 9am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 8am – 12am |
December 23 | 9.30am – 7pm | 9am – 6pm | 8am – 12am | 8am – 9pm | 8am – 9pm |
December 24 | 10am – 6pm | 9am – 5pm | 12am – 6pm | 8am – 5.30pm | 9am – 6pm |
December 25 | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
December 26 | 7am – 9pm | 9am – 5.30pm | 7am – 10pm | 8am – 6pm | 9am – 6pm |
Melbourne’s Chadstone (pictured) could be the place to go for last minute gifts, with the shopping centre opening for a mammoth 34 hours of trade between December 23 and Christmas Eve
For those looking to get their last minute gifts in Victoria, then Melbourne’s Chadstone could be the place to go, with the shopping centre opening for a mammoth 34 hours of trade between December 23 and Christmas Eve.
Sydney’s George Street Myer will also allow for more time to pick out presents, staying open from 8am until 11pm on December 18-19, and 8am until midnight from December 20-23.
Brisbane’s Westfield Chermside will follow suit with extended trade between 9am and 9pm from December 18-20 and 8am until midnight on Thursday to Saturday.
People in Perth might need to pick the pace up however, with most stores only offering extended hours until 9pm.
Meanwhile, supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles’ opening hours will vary across stores, with many accessible until midnight in the lead up to the big day.
People in Perth might need to pick the pace up however, with most stores only offering extended hours until 9pm (stock image)
Supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles’ opening hours will vary across stores, with many accessible until midnight in the lead up to the big day.
It comes as new research from Finder.com suggests people will spend upwards of $1,100 each during the Christmas period.
Australian shoppers are expected to fork out $492 on presents alone, with another $141 for food and $131 on beverages.
However, Money Expert Bessie Hassan said that smaller gifts are expected to be the trend this year, with many people choosing the ‘minimalist message’.
‘Big-ticket items are less likely to make it under the tree this year – some families will cut back,’ she said.
People in New South Wales will splurge the most, spending an average of $1,359, while those in Tasmania will keep costs lower and fork out $715, according to the data.
‘To help keep spending in check, write a shopping list, set a budget and compare prices,’ Ms Hassan advised.
Sydney’s George Street Myer will also allow for more time to pick out presents, staying open from 8am until 11pm on December 18-19, and 8am until midnight from December 20-23