By Bob McNeil
Time is running out for Christmas shoppers and shopkeepers alike.
In Auckland, Christmas shoppers were out in force, and retailers say there was a new sense of a return to better times.
"We are really feeling that it's a lot more relaxed this Christmas than it was last year,” says Linn Luong of Lynmall Shopping Centre.
“So I guess everyone's feeling a lot more optimistic about the recession being [behind us] now and we're moving forward, and everyone 's feeling a lot more relaxed this year.”
At the Auckland shopping centre, retailers say there has been something of a return to pre-recession days, with traditional games a big hit.
"iPods, cameras, iPhones have been particularly popular,” says Craig Withers from JB Hi-Fi.
“DVDs, CDs - a lot of those small items under the trees, and even some of the TVs are starting to move as well."
Lynmall's trading trends show customer numbers are up by two percent on the same period last year, despite the centre trading fewer hours than the previous year.
"Well there's more people here, and we haven’t had any issues in terms of happy customers or unhappy retailers,” Ms Luong says.
“Every one seems to be working along really well.”
As for Lynmall’s Man in Red, he says children want the same toys they have always wanted.
"Star Wars, Lego, as well as the electronic games, bikes and scooters are very popular this year,” he says.
Christmas Eve is still expected to be the biggest shopping day, but the retailers say Boxing Day sales could also set some records this year.
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