pre-Christmas shopping spree

Australians spend record amount at pre-Christmas shopping spree | News.com.au Top stories | News.com.au

Spending spree ... consumers across Australia have spent a record $38 billion in the lead-up to Christmas, with another $7 billion expected to be handed over the counter in coming weeks

* Consumers spend record $38 billion
* Sales up 4 per cent on last year
* NSW consumers splurge $12 billion

CONSUMERS across Australia have spent a record $38 billion in the lead-up to Christmas, with another $7 billion expected to be handed over the counter in coming weeks.

NSW consumers have so far been the biggest spenders, splurging around $12 billion, followed by Victorians at $9 billion and Queenslanders at $8 billion.

Peak industry groups say sales are up on last year's record by four per cent.

With pre-Christmas shopping all but over, NSW is also tipped to spend $300 million in Boxing Day sales this Friday, followed by Victoria at $260 million and Queensland at $190 million.

Shoppers will be able to take advantage of sales of up to 70 per cent off or more for approximately two weeks into January, peak industry groups suggest.

Retailers' Association executive director Scott Driscoll said retailers would be taking a much deserved break on Christmas Day in the lead-up to the mad rush of the post Christmas sales.