The Boxing Day rush once again turned shopping centres into madhouses, with crowds flooding stores across Australia. Retailers have raked in billions as shoppers hunt for post-Christmas bargains. But while the country\u2019s biggest brands celebrate record profits, many small and independent businesses are quietly being left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australians are expected to spend almost $3.83 billion between Christmas and New Year \u2014 up more than 4% compared to last year, according to national figures, reports ABC News<\/a>. That surge might sound like good news for retail, but small business owners say they\u2019re seeing little benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many independent store owners report a sharp drop in sales compared to December\u2019s lead-up to Christmas. As consumers chase discounts and doorbuster deals, smaller stores that can\u2019t match the huge markdowns are struggling to compete. For many, the post-holiday lull feels more like a warning sign than a celebration of strong retail spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Big retailers can afford to slash prices thanks to bulk purchasing power, but smaller shops rely on tighter margins and loyal customers. When those customers disappear after Christmas, the fallout can be devastating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n