Canberra retail stores are preparing for an increase in Christmas and Boxing Day shoppers as the silly season is reportedly busier than ever.
Renee Britt is the store manager of Canberra Centre's shoe shop Jo Mercer, and says since lockdown lifted each weekend gets more crazy.
"Canberra Centre has been chaotic, even on a Tuesday midday we are flat out with shoppers," Ms Britt said.
"Black Friday really set the benchmark and it has not slowed down at all, so we anticipate Boxing Day to be quite a crazy time."
"We've noticed a lot of people love going out and about to shop since they were stuck at home for so long and when they come in person they tend to buy more because they're able to try things on and like to treat themselves beyond buying Christmas presents."
Ms Britt's observations are a part of a greater trend for the Christmas shopping period with the Australian Retailers Association forecasting the ACT to spend $1.1 billion in pre-Christmas sales which is up 1.1 per cent from last year and a 14 per cent increase from pre-pandemic conditions in 2019.
It's also predicted Boxing Day sales will hit more records with Canberrans predicted to spend $404 million in the three weeks preceding Christmas which is up 1.5 per cent from last year and 16.3 per cent from pre-pandemic conditions.
"We're looking forward to seeing discretionary retail bounce back strongly in the holiday sales," CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, Paul Zahra said.
"During the lockdowns with nowhere to go, spending dried up in clothing, footwear and accessories, but with people now getting together for more social events, we're hoping to see healthy trading levels over Christmas and there are early signs of that occurring."
Shoppers Fatima Ali and Poppy Lowe said they are taking full advantage of the sales during this summer season.
"It's good to get out now that lockdown has lifted and with all the options available in Canberra it's a lot of fun to browse," Ms Ali said.
"Because COVID happened it's now so crowded and more than usual because even weekdays are really busy, so when you see something you've just got to get it," Ms Lowe added.
Graham Catt, the chief executive officer of Canberra Business Chamber isn't surprised by the increase in retail trade despite concerns around the Omicron variant.
"For many businesses the optimism for this season is also accompanied by a fear because this time is make or break for them," Mr Catt said.
"If they don't get those sales it will raise questions about their viability going forward, so I encourage Canberrans to shop local for their Christmas and Boxing Day shopping."
"People are also still cautious about COVID, particularly with the Omicron variant, but you can often find what you want online from even small businesses."
Canberra Centre general manager Gary Stewart acknowledged COVID was still a factor, but the major shopping area is prepared.
"The health and wellbeing of those that visit and work at Canberra Centre this festive season is our top priority and something we take very seriously," Mr Stewart said.
"This is why, alongside our adherence to our approved COVID safe plan and close work with our retail partners, we have upheld a robust range of measures designed to help protect the wellbeing of visitors."
Shoppers don't need to worry about the supply of gifts either, as major retail providers such as Myer said they have been planning early in anticipation for the summer sales period.
"Myer is well stocked and well planned for Christmas with a great range of gifting available in-store and online for our ACT customers," a Myer spokesperson said.
