The Australian Retailers Association and research firm Roy Morgan have forecasted that regional retailers are set to experience a significant lift in sales over the Easter holidays.
According to research conducted by the organisations, over four million Australians are planning a trip away this Easter with $7.1 billion to be spent on holidays, while around $1.5 billion will be splurged on food and chocolate.
Retailer Best and Less is taking advantage of the spending period, offering customers a range of Easter themed apparel items including bunny onesies, dresses, tops and bottoms for men, women and kids.
With low COVID restrictions, borders open and high vaccine rates across the country, ARA CEO Paul Zahra said Aussies are embracing the chance to get away.
"Australians have had their travel restricted through the pandemic, but with the borders opened and safety protocols relaxed, people will be taking advantage of the Easter long weekend.
"This is a significant boost for tourism operators and local businesses who’ve been doing it tough these past two years," he said.
The study found that those aged 35-49 are set to spend an average of $2,000 on their Easter holidays, totalling $2.6 billion overall - more than any other age group.
In addition, 78% of Australians are set to spend the same or more than they did on Easter items compared to last year.
"This is the first holiday period in two years that many people will take full advantage of the time off and get away with family and friends, which is great to see," Zahra added.
"Travel plans were discarded in 2020 and 2021 due to the various snap lockdowns, and last Christmas was disrupted by Omicron.
"With minimal COVID restrictions in place and Australia’s high vaccination rate providing safety and confidence, people are now starting to go back to more regular holiday and social activities," he said.