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Source: Reuters -
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Despite sales starting early this Christmas, the hoped-for
shopping frenzy still hasn't hit for retailers.
Big ticket items in particular are not moving and shoppers say they
are holding-out for Boxing Day bargains.
With three shopping days to Christmas, Sunday was predicted to be the biggest retail day of the year.
ONE News was at St Luke's Mall in Auckland to check out the crowds, where it seems there was little sign among the shoppers of a big spend up.
With the New Zealand economy under recession, Caitlin Decharmoy, at the gift wrapping booth in the mall, says presents bought by customers this year were a little smaller compared to last year, saying chocolates have been very popular.
"There are only two Playstations that have gone through, so maybe people are not buying as expensive gifts this year," says Decharmoy.
Despite the sales starting early, the hoped-for shopping frenzy still hasn't hit.
"It's a lot quieter than last year, it's not as bubbly buoyant as last year & the economy is having an effect on how people feel this year," says one female shopper.
The price of imported goods like Plasma TVs and Whiteware looks set to rise soon thanks to the dollar slump against the greenback but people are still holding back from many big ticket items.
There is of course always the old fashion way to spend Christmas at no cost, with your family and friends - just don't tell that to New Zealand's already suffering retailers.
And retailers say those hoping for major sales on Boxing Day are bound to be disappointed as many pre-Christmas sales have already begun and there will just not be enough stock to go around by December 26.
