Sales over the Christmas period were definitely better than last year’s, GRTU director-general Vince Farrugia told The Times Business.

“The gloom is over and people felt more comfortable spending their money than they did last year. Private consumption is growing again,” Mr Farrugia said yesterday.

In a survey conducted by the GRTU among retail outlets in Malta’s main shopping areas – which has not yet been published – respondents pointed to the period December 8 – 13 and December 20 – 24 as being the best for sales.

“Consumers were a bit cautious in the week between December 14 and 19, but the general feeling is that on the whole sales were up on last year’s,” a GRTU spokesperson said.

The improved Christmas sales performance contrasts somewhat with an earlier survey conducted by the GRTU which showed that retailers were expecting sales over the festive period to be the same as last year’s, which were not good, due mainly to the financial crisis and the increased utility rates.

The GRTU spokesperson said she received no complaints about parking problems from retailers in shopping areas, but said shop owners in Bisazza Street, Sliema and in Mosta were disappointed with the modest Christmas lighting in their area, which they insisted did not encourage consumers to shop there.

The most popular gifts purchased over Christmas included LED TVs, netbooks, gift vouchers, ski wear and confectionary items.

Mr Farrugia said that those outlets that adapted to changing consumer demands performed well over Christmas.

“Many retail outlets are today more conscious of the market and made a huge effort to satisfy consumers’ demands, which paid off,” he said.