The Australian Retail Association is predicting that Aussie shoppers will spend a whopping $45 billion in the lead up to Christmas this year.

Thanks to a growing trend amongst retailers wanting to clear summer stock ahead of winter deliveries and patchy trading, pre-Christmas sales are popping up in department stores and boutiques around the country, weeks before the traditional end-of-year sales.

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“The retail industry has had it fairly tough in the last few years,” ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said.

“One of the areas we are very concerned about is the clothing and footwear section that is not expected to have high-level growth.”

On Thursday, reports emerged that David Jones and Myer were considering ringing the bell early on their Boxing Day sales because of poor consumer confidence, something analysts feared would affect the entire retail sector.

While Mr Zimmerman emphasises that the current pre-Christmas sales are no more heavy-handed than in previous years, he acknowledges that shoppers can benefit from discounts ahead of the Boxing Day sales.

“Most things are being discounted at the moment. The one to watch is clothing and footwear because it’s weather-driven and retailers will not want to be left with much stock by the end of Boxing Day sales,” Mr Zimmerman says.

Here’s where to head for the best pre-Christmas bargains this week:

Get thee to a mall. Photo: Getty

Myer

• ‘Super Weekend’ sale featuring up to 40 per cent off women’s and men’s clothing, homewares, electrical and Miss Shop.

• 20 per cent off beauty packs

When: ends Sunday 14 December

Go for: beauty products and electrical appliances like hair dryers or shavers.

David Jones

• 25 per cent off mens and women’s clothing

• 40 per cent off babywear and children’s sleepwear and underwear

• 20 per cent off on small appliances when you spend $100 or more

• 20 per cent off on floor care when you spend $100 or more

When: ends Sunday 14 December

Go for: kids’ clothing and coffee machines.

Country Road

• 25 per cent off women’s shorts and t-shirts

When: ends Sunday 14 December

Go for: sweet summery tops for your mum, sister or wife

Target

• 20 per cent off kitchenware and tableware

• 20 per cent Lego City and Star Wars sets

When: ends Wednesday 24 December

Go for: Kids toys and last-minute Christmas table decorations and cooking utensils.

JB Hi-Fi

• 15 per cent Samsung tablets

• 20 per cent off Blu-Ray and DVD players, set top boxes and HD recorders

When: Samsung offer ends Sunday 14 December, DVD and recorder offer ends Wednesday 24 December.

Go for: DVD players.

BCF

• Up to 50 per cent off on sporting and outdoor gear

When: ends Wednesday 24 December

Go for: camping gear

Peter Alexander

• 20 per cent off storewide

When: ends midnight Sunday 14 December

Go for: pyjamas

West Elm

• 20 per cent off select furniture instore and online

• 60 per cent off rugs

• 20 per cent off ornaments and trim

When: runs for a limited time only

Go for: Christmas ornaments and bed linen.

Amazon Australia

• 60 per cent off selected books

When: ends Wednesday 24 December

Go for: daily deals on new release books.

Wittner

What: 50 per cent off selected styles

When: while stocks last

Go for: women’s footwear

• For specific information, terms and conditions, check with individual retailers online or in-store.