Stax Trade Centres are anticipating strong sales for independent retailers over the Christmas period. The leading wholesaler believes that the excellent summer and a recovering economy will continue the year’s feelgood factor right through to the New Year.

Stax Chairman, Eddie Brady commented

“With the lovely weather, a royal baby, a summer of sporting success, and signs of a sustained recovery in the economy, we believe that consumers will feel more optimistic this Christmas than at any time over the last 6 or 7 years” This view is supported by a rise in the housing market with Nationwide reporting that house prices rose 0.8pc last month pushing the annual growth rate to its highest in three years.

Eddie Brady also points to the growing craze in the UK for more and more flamboyant Christmas decorations on the outside of people’s homes.

“We have seen ever increasing demand for exterior lighting and large outdoor displays as consumers like to personalise their homes and outdo their neighbours. People want to enjoy their Christmas, and this year that good feeling will be even stronger as many will look back at 2013 in a favourable light, and look forward to 2014 with increased optimism”

To help independent high street retailers and garden centres to capitalise on the demand Stax has launched its new Christmas ranges with a clear focus on outdoor displays, Christmas trees, comprehensive indoor and outdoor lighting, large silhouettes, canvasses and tapestries as well as the staple Christmas decorations range. The range is showcased in a 24 page Christmas Brochure, and will be available through all 5 Stax depots, and Scottish wholesaler D F Wishart.

Christmas stock will begin to arrive in both Stax and Wishart over the next few weeks.

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