Overview
- ARA and Roy Morgan forecast $1.6 billion in Boxing Day spending and $3.832 billion across December 25–31, up about 4% on last year.
- The ACCC says it has written to several major retailers after a Black Friday sweep found tactics such as fake countdown timers, exaggerated “site‑wide” claims and price hikes before discounting, warning enforcement action may follow.
- Consumer groups including Choice caution shoppers about fake websites impersonating major brands and advise focusing on the final price and using price‑tracking tools.
- Retailers are launching promotions early online, with many deals live before December 26 and some in‑store events in the UK starting December 27, reflecting a shift toward digital-first sales.
- Industry leaders and economists link the rebound to population growth and three RBA rate cuts in 2025, though they note fragile confidence and rate uncertainty could weigh on the sector next year.