Whilst ABS data released last week showed that Australian retail sales had missed expectations, research released today from Vend reveals that spending with the small and independent retailers went up by eight per cent.

Customer data from cloud-based point-of-sale and retail management software Vend, shows 2000 Aussie businesses recorded an eight per cent increase in sales volumes this holiday period (Black Friday – 15 January) compared to 2015/16.

Sales from Boxing Day and into the first week of January were 33 per cent lower than pre-Christmas sales and 23 December was the top Christmas spending day – as in previous years.

“Big box retailers may have seen less spending this holiday period than previous years, but our data shows a lift for SMB retailers,” said Vaughan Rowsell, founder of Vend.

“Many of Australia’s independent retailers are doing a fantastic job of providing a sophisticated, friendly and unique customer experience, and that goes a long way to attract shoppers during busy periods. It’s great to see smaller stores start off 2017 so well.

“In other markets we’ve seen a growing shift in the past two years from traditional post-Christmas discounts and sales to heavy pre-Christmas discounting. This has largely been brought on by Black Friday as it sets an expectation with shoppers for lower prices.

“It looks like Australia may be starting to follow this trend too. And while the shift is small at the moment, we’re seeing more sustained discounting following Black Friday and into Christmas, rather than a focus on big January sales.

“This is good news for consumers in the short-term, but retailers need to ensure they’re being strategic with their discounts, without cutting into their profits or the value of their brand and products down the line.”