Retailers are urged to start preparing for the Christmas trading period early, with businesses encouraged to plan seasonal hiring, stock levels, and promotions ahead of the busiest time of the year, says Retail NZ.

“Having the right people on board early gives retailers time to train their seasonal teams properly and puts stores in a much stronger position when Christmas shopping ramps up,” said Carolyn Young, CEO of Retail NZ.

Young said retailers should identify how many seasonal staff they need, what hours they can offer, and how they will train new team members to make the most of jobseeker interest.

Staffing is only one part of the preparation. The industry body says retailers should also plan inventory, sales, and promotions to meet demand during the festive season.

“The December quarter is the time where most retailers do their biggest trade, with many relying on a successful festive season to be able to make it through the slower months of the year,” she said.

To help businesses prepare, Retail NZ has launched its Christmas Hub, a collection of resources, articles, templates, and webinars designed to support retailers ahead of the peak trading period.

“The Christmas Hub is designed to ensure retailers are set up for success, and we are hopeful our resources can help retailers make this Christmas their strongest yet,” Young concluded.

• Further reading: Retail sales data reflects two-speed economy says Retail NZ.