Post-Christmas sales in Western Australia has exceeded expectations by over 11 per cent as retailers felt the effects of the Rudd government's stimulus package.
From Boxing Day through to late January, shoppers in WA spent $753 million on post-Christmas sale items , above the expected $676.7 million, new figures from the Australian Retailers Association show.
The result compares to $682 million recorded in 2007.
The fiscal stimulus package also helped other states and territories reach above expectations, with New South Wales the only state to settle on par with its $2.5 billion estimate.
Nationally, consumers spent $6.5 billion, above an expected $6.3 billion.
The Association's executive director Richard Evans said retailers worked hard to stimulate consumer spend with heavy discounts through to late January.
"Retailers offered generous sales of up to 70 per cent off or more for consumers who were struggling with limited discretionary spend earlier in the year but had cash to responsibly enjoy some discounted retail therapy during post-Christmas sales," Evans said.
"With heavy discounting taking place, the volume of sales was in fact much greater than previous years - and to date many retailers are continuing to slash prices to move stock before winter. So now is still a good time for shoppers to take advantage of some great bargains.
"Many shoppers held out for substantial savings on domestic appliances, furniture and other big ticket items giving a $2.3 billion boost (as expected) to the household goods and entertainment sector which has been struggling with low trade for months.
"Department store registers rang up $1.1billion (as expected) in post-Christmas sales and savvy shoppers spent $965 million (expected $957 million) on clothing and footwear," Evans said.
