With just over a month to go, Wairoa shoppers are set to get in early to make sure they have everything wrapped and ready to go under the tree for Christmas Day.
Christmas decorations are soon to be up in the northern Hawke's Bay town, with the retail sector usually gearing up for the Christmas period around early December, Wairoa District Council economic development and engagement manager Kitea Tipuna said.
"Our people are smart, and they like to get their shopping out of the way early."
As well as catering to locals searching for Christmas presents, the town's smaller retailers were also prepared for an "influx" of tourists, and independent travellers who usually passed through Wairoa.
"Often it's the case that those venturing through our beautiful district are looking for experiences and hospitality rather than particular products, and this is where Wairoa really shines.
"Our natural landscape attractions, popular beaches, bush walks and an assortment of unique attractions are the sort of Christmas treats many crave, including locals."
Mr Tipuna said the northern Hawke's Bay was renowned for products unique to the district.
Although small, stores dotted along the main strip in Wairoa offer everything from homewares and clothing, to electronics and recreational gear.
"Many Wairoa people tend to head further outside the district to shop, simply because there are more options, but council is always encouraging locals to support businesses in our district.
"We are particularly excited for the re-opening of the Mahia Beach Holiday Park in early December because council understands the demand for accommodation in Mahia, especially over the busy summer period.
"Through a network of communication channels, and relationships between council and new start-up businesses, we encourage locals to shop local."
Experts are expecting the holiday season to be a bumper one this year, with national spending likely to jump by about 10 per cent at this time of year, and then continue to rise towards Christmas, judging by previous patterns seen through the Paymark network.
Data for 2016 showed spending in weeks ending on a Saturday in early November were about 105 per cent of the weekly average of the first 10 months, then jumped to 115 per cent in the fourth week.
This rose to 156 per cent in the week immediately before Christmas.