Christmas shoppers out and about in Napier

UNDER THE TREE: Stores in Napier are set to stay open later so everyone can get their Christmas shopping done. PHOTO/FILE

Stores around Napier are beginning to deck the halls, as they prepare for the mad rush of shoppers ahead of Christmas.

Paymark figures suggest Hawke's Bay is set for a busy time - with 2016 data showing shopping in the last week before Christmas in Hawke's Bay was 171 per cent above average. In contrast Wellington was only 49 per cent above average.

However, Napier CBD is already getting into the spirit, with many organised people beginning their Christmas shopping from Labour Weekend, Napier City Business Inc manager Zoe Barnes said.

"But for those less prepared people the heat comes in to the retail sector during the month of December, particularly in the week or two prior to the big day."

To prepare for the Christmas rush, by this time of year many retailers were receiving their Christmas stock deliveries - ordered months ago - hiring extra staff, decorating windows and shop displays, and "generally bracing for the madness".

Apart from whatever children's toy was the fad, purchase behaviour tended to be well-spread across all store types at this time of year.

Ms Barnes said plenty of people seemed to be taking the traditional route of shopping pre-Christmas - rather than waiting for Boxing Day sales.

Although online shopping is increasing, Ms Barnes believed there would always be a place for "bricks and mortar" retail - especially with the Christmas atmosphere provided in Napier CBD.

"People want the experience of seeing and feeling products in person, and actually talking to the retailers who give excellent customer service.

"At Christmas time in particular Napier CBD has carollers and the city is dressed in Christmas decorations which adds to the atmosphere and excitement in the build-up to the actual day.

"Shopping in Napier CBD is an experience which the online realm can't compete with."

Napier City Business Inc works to promote shopping within the CBD, including an integrated media programme which runs year-round.

"Thankfully for Napier CBD, we have something special, being next to the sea, with a great selection of independent stores alongside the national chains and great restaurants and cafes - it really is a one-stop shop for everyone in the family.

"Napier CBD, unlike other town centres, is also open seven days a week all year long which is an added extra day of shopping which is always helpful."