Haven’t done the Christmas shopping? We’ve got tips to beat the last-minute rush

If you have left your Christmas shopping until the last minute this year, then take solace from the fact that you are not alone. According to the Australian Retailers Association, a staggering 60% of consumers will try and complete their Christmas shoppin

If you have left your Christmas shopping until the last minute this year, then take solace from the fact that you are not alone. According to the Australian Retailers Association, a staggering 60% of consumers will try and complete their Christmas shopping in the next three days.

The ARA is expecting Australian’s total spending over the Christmas period will be around $37.2 billion. While that is marginally ahead of last year’s spending total of $36.5 billion, it is an unimpressive result given inflation is still running at 4% and the Rudd Government has pumped $10.4 billion into the economy in the last few weeks.

Of course, retailers won’t have much time to worry about such big-picture matters this week – they’ll be far too busy.

ARA executive director Richard Evans says 26.7% of consumers will make their first Christmas purchase this week and claims many of these last-minute shoppers will be men, who try and put off the task for as long as possible.

All of this means that shopping centres around the country will be full to overflowing this week. It’s going to be ugly, but SmartCompany has scoured the internet looking for shopping tips to beat “retail rage” in the week before Christmas:

– Make a list, check it twice. Don’t just head to the shops and think inspiration will hit you. Do a bit of research online first, figure out what you are getting Aunty Mavis and Grandpa and then have a plan before you get to the shopping centre. You’ll be in and out much quicker that way.

– Call ahead. If you are thinking of buying one of those hot items like the latest video game or toy, chances are supplies are dwindling. Ring ahead and put one on hold to avoid disappointment on Christmas day.

– Take the bus. Think retail rage is bad? Car park rage is even worse. If you can use public transport to get to the shops, do so.

– Smaller is better. Buying small gifts will make it much easier to get in and out of shops, particularly if you’ve taken our advice and taken public transport. Also, shopping at smaller strip shopping centres will often be much faster than hitting a big mall.

– Leave the kids at home. Please, for all our sakes, leave the children at home if you have to go shopping. Find one of those smug relatives or friends who have already done their Christmas shopping and dump the kids there.