On the back of the busiest two weeks of the year for courier companies, Australian couriering and logistics franchise, PACK & SEND, is expecting a record year-on-year increase in domestic and international shipments in December - set to be the company's biggest Christmas period to date.
PACK & SEND's international shipments are on track to grow by a third (33 percent) compared to the 2013 festive season.
While the recent Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index projected a gloomy Christmas for retailers as consumers cut back spending to levels as low as in 2011, and Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey is urging Aussies to hit the shops to boost the economy, PACK & SEND's data suggests positive signs for the retail sector.
PACK & SEND CEO, Michael Paul, said: "Growth in parcel shipments in the busiest period of the year for the logistics sector is a positive indicator for the economy. There is certainly a hive of activity among the retail and e-tail sector that we serve - a strong sign that they are meeting consumer demand for their products.
"The strong results for PACK & SEND come off the back of our unique multi-sales channel offer, where customers can visit or call a retail Service Centre - or book and pay for parcel delivery online."
"Our financial 'year-to-date' international express shipping volumes are up 30% through our Service Centre retail network and up a staggering 113% for our online sales channel - which has been very popular with e-tailers and businesses who regularly send up to 50 parcels per week."
"From our December forecast analysis and the incredible growth over November, in addition to feedback from franchisees reporting huge volumes of parcels coming through their doors, this is set to be the biggest Christmas for the company to date."