The National Retail Association (NRA) has today warned Australia’s keyboard Kris Kringles to make sure they hit ‘proceed to cart’ by Sunday evening, or risk having to hand over an IOU note instead of a perfectly-wrapped gift on Christmas Day.
NRA CEO Trevor Evans said the few days before Christmas were not just the busiest time for retailers, but also for courier and postal services, who are working extra-long hours to ensure packages make it on time.
“It’s all hands on deck for our posties right now so shoppers need to leave that little bit of extra time for parcels to arrive, just in case,” Mr Evans said.
“Shipping deadlines vary from retailer to retailer, but no matter where you buy from, if you leave your gift purchases until the last minute it’s likely you’ll incur additional charges for overnight or express delivery, in order to guarantee parcels arrive by Christmas Eve.
“Anything left to the last minute should really be going through online checkouts by Sunday night in order to make sure they don’t end up in transit until staff arrive back from holidays.
“Customers also need to remember that if they arrive home after work to a package collection notice, they may not be able to then pick up those items until after the public holidays, so we suggest having parcels sent to work as an alternative,” he said.
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The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years. Its membership comprises more than 19,000 stores and outlets and covers all the categories of retail, including fashion, groceries, homewares, hardwares, fast food and services. Its membership ranges from the smallest corner stores to Australia’s largest retail chains, department stores and franchise groups.
For media enquiries contact the NRA’s media unit on 07 3240 0163, or 0467 792 013/0447 755 893