Retailers are expecting a boost in sales over the next couple of days following what they say was a slow start to the Christmas shopping season.
Carmen Borg, a senior executive at the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU), yesterday said business – ranging from restaurants and retail outlets to beauty salons and beverage distributors – had failed to pick up so far. The highest level of sales was seen on Republic Day.
However, businesses are confident they will see an increase in ‘last-minute’ Christmas shopping.
The most popular commercial centres remain Sliema and Valletta, followed by Paola, she added.
Tablets, gadgets and IT equipment, clothes and shoes, jewellery, perfumes, gift packs, food and wine topped the list of the most popular products in a survey carried out this time last year by the GRTU. The results of this year’s survey will be published in a few weeks’ time.
Philip Fenech, president of the GRTU’s tourism, hospitality and leisure division, said business in his sector appeared to be on the same level as in previous years.
Rise in popularity of outside catering
He noted a rise in the popularity of outside catering as there had been a marked increase in the number of companies organising their staff parties in-house.
Some small companies were even organising the entire event themselves, by sponsoring the food and beverage items bought directly from supermarkets.
Another recent trend was the ‘late booking’ phenomenon, which seemed to have spilled over from the travel and accommodation industry to the entertainment and leisure sector.
“People are being more impulsive and tend to turn up at the establishment on the day rather than book in advance,” said Mr Fenech.
In recent years mass celebrations to welcome in the New Year, such as those held in Valletta and Floriana, have grown in popularity, shifting some of the business away from traditional entertainment hubs such as St Julian’s.
However, they also attract people who would not normally consider spending a lot of money on such occasions.
And, according to Mr Fenech, the festive season stretches well beyond the first week of the new year, with those earning their living from the retail sector having to wait for the January sales rush to subside before letting their hair down.