Australian Black Friday sales are forecast to reach $6.2 billion this year, as shoppers attempt to beat the coming price rises ahead of Christmas.

This is according to new research from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, who expect the four-day Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend (Friday, November 25 – Monday November 28) to bring in $200 million more than last year’s $6 billion spend.

“The Black Friday sales are the biggest pre-Christmas event on the retail calendar and its popularity is continuing to grow in Australia,” noted ARA chief Paul Zahra.

“The event is renowned for having the biggest pre-Christmas bargains and this year will be no different. We’re expecting huge amounts of traffic in-stores and online, with sales to reach $6.2 billion this year” he said.

According to Salesforce’s Holiday Insights Hub, around a quarter of Christmas shopping is completed in Black Friday week alone, with a third already completed in the first three weeks of November.

“We know that many people are more conscious about their household budgets with the cost of living going up and interest rates on the rise, so the Black Friday sales are an ideal time to complete your Christmas purchases, save money and ensure that your gifts are delivered on time,” said Zahra.

Salesforce found that the average discount during the Black Friday sales was 22 per cent.

The overall spend this Christmas season is tipped to reach $64 billion, a three per cent leap from 2021.