‘We won’t survive’: Small retailers missing out on Boxing Day sales

EN News Brief

Summary

Australian post-Christmas sales are booming with billions in spending, but small independent retailers report struggling as consumers flock to major mall chains offering deep discounts.

Key Points

  • National Spending Surge: Post-Christmas week spending is forecast to hit $3.83 billion, up 4.4% from last year, driven by Boxing Day sales and gift card redemptions.
  • Struggle of Small Businesses: Many small retailers, like Canberra’s Hive homewares store, report a “massive drop off” in sales and an inability to compete with large chains’ discounts.
  • The “Double-Edged Sword”: Industry experts note big sales events put pressure on retailers’ narrow margins, and small businesses must compete on service and experience, not just price.
  • Conscious Consumerism: Some independents, like a historic Canberra bookshop, deliberately avoid deep discounts, focusing on quality, customer experience, and encouraging thoughtful purchasing.
  • Call to Support Local: There is a strong appeal for consumers to consciously support local businesses to prevent them from disappearing in a “two-speed economy.”

中文新闻简报

摘要

澳大利亚圣诞节后销售火爆,全国消费额达数十亿,但小型独立零售商却生意惨淡,消费者纷纷涌向提供大幅折扣的大型商场连锁店。

关键点

  • 全国消费激增:预计圣诞节后一周的消费额将达到38.3亿澳元,较去年增长4.4%,主要由节礼日促销和礼品卡兑换推动。
  • 小企业困境:许多小零售商,如堪培拉的Hive家居店,报告销售额”大幅下降”,无力与大型连锁店的折扣竞争。
  • “双刃剑”效应:行业专家指出,大型促销活动给利润微薄的小零售商带来压力,小企业必须在服务和体验上竞争,而非仅靠价格。
  • 理性消费选择:一些独立商店,如堪培拉一家历史悠久的书店,刻意避免深度折扣,专注于产品质量、客户体验,并鼓励深思熟虑的购买行为。
  • 呼吁支持本地商家:业界强烈呼吁消费者有意识地支持本地小企业,以防止它们在”双速经济”中消失。

Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-30/spending-billions-post-christmas-sales-small-retailers-forgotten/106186838

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