SA:Xmas sales up 12 per cent in Adelaide

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2011
SA:Xmas sales up 12 per cent in Adelaide

ADELAIDE, Dec 23 AAP - Adelaide shoppers are spending big over Christmas, lured by
interest rate cuts and sale discounts, according to a retail industry executive.

Shoppers were returning to Adelaide's Rundle Mall in droves, with sales up 12 per cent
from last year, the outdoor shopping precinct's chairman Theo Maras says.

Mr Maras said the mall had broken records as interest rate cuts and government campaigns
encouraged residents to shop in the city.

"It's been absolutely extraordinary, in terms of people and sales," he told AAP on Friday.

Retailers offering discounts after the rate cuts meant the spending squeeze was over, he said.

"That broke the camel's back. People came out in droves buying," Mr Maras said.

Mr Maras said fashion and cosmetics were booming.

The technology market was also faring well, with gadgets a popular Christmas gift.

"(We've) been very busy with the new iPads and iPhones ... and Kindles," he said.

AAP sbm/jl

KEYWORD: XMAS SALES SA

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