Festive spend looks up

STRONG consumer confidence seems to support Retail Traders’ Association forecasts that WA Christmas-related spending will rise 2.5 per cent on last year.

The Australian Retailers Christmas Shopping Survey shows 70 per cent of Perth respondents are optimistic about their future despite only 54 per cent believing the State’s future looks brighter.

The Retail Traders’ Association estimates retail spending in December will increase to $1.55 billion.