The Retail Traders' Association is expecting Western Australians to tighten their purse strings over Christmas as the retail sector continues to do it tough.
RTA director Wayne Spencer said the public is expect to spend 10 per cent less on filling the stocking that they did last year.
"The average spend for every man, woman and child is expected to spend little more than $1200 each," said Mr Spencer.
The RTA said while the average retail spend is expected to be down, this will be offset to some extent by the state's growing population.
Figures complied by the RTA show the state's population has grown 2.3 per cent since last Christmas and the Christmas spend is expected to be $2.8 billion this year, only slightly down on last year's figure of $2.81 billion.
"Most shoppers will be looking for cheaper presents in the normal Christmas categories such as small appliances, perfume, jewellery, cards and food," said Mr Spencer.
"Gift vouchers will again be popular this year," he said.
