Shops brace for festive season rush

Bunbury shopping centres are expecting an increase in foot traffic over the next few days as Christmas approaches.

Bunbury Forum centre manager David Murray said retailers were expecting a “huge increase on this Saturday’s foot traffic to the centre”.

“We have already seen a solid increase in customer visitation over previous weeks, which will continue until Saturday,” Mr Murray said.

“Christmas shopping was off to a slow start for many, however in the last two weeks it has certainly picked up and now with only a few sleeps until Christmas, the centre is well and truly in the shopping rush and meeting our expectations for the busiest retail period of the year.

“As Saturday is your last opportunity to shop, make sure you know what you are looking for.”

He said jewellery, electronics and toys were the most popular Christmas gifts this year, however smaller priced items and quality brand items had been a favourite.

To make the Christmas shopping experience easier, carpark attendants have been employed to help customers find vacant car bays in the carpark.

Primewest Bunbury Centrepoint marketing executive Diana Ashworth said “there have been loads of shoppers coming through the doors” to buy gifts for family and friends.

“We are expecting Friday and Saturday to have an influx of shoppers getting their fresh produce items for Christmas Day,” she said.

“We have been pleasantly surprised, given the economy, how busy the centre has been this festive season.

“The carparks have been packed every day and with Coles and Target running out of trolleys, Bunbury Centrepoint has definitely been a huge destination this time of year.”