Hammers and nails will be pounding over the Easter break as Aussies get set for a long weekend of DIY renovations, according to the latest research from the Australian Retailers Association. Aussies are predicted to spend over $6.4 billion on home improvements over the holiday break.

A third of Australians aged over 18 are planning to use the long weekend to catch up on home improvements. Among those undertaking a DIY project, the average spend per person is $857 – with those aged 18-34 spending far more ($1,113) than other age group.

Which all comes down to great news for small business owners in the trade and garden supply sector.

ARA CEO, Paul Zahra, said Easter is the perfect opportunity to pick up your tools and get creative around the home and garden.

“DIYs around the house are particularly popular for green thumbs over Easter,” he said.

“It’s the final break many people will have before winter sets in, and people who aren’t travelling traditionally use this time to upgrade the home and tackle jobs they’ve been putting off for months due to their busy schedules,” Zahra explained.

Avid decorators, gardeners and home enthusiasts are tipped to spend $6.4 billion nationwide – which is a massive share of Easter expenditure and rivals the total spend on domestic travel.

“With an average spend of $857, we’re typically looking at modest projects that can be knocked over during the long weekend … painting, gardening, and minor cosmetic alterations to name a few,” Zahra said.

Aussies still treating themselves

Meanwhile, Finder research has revealed despite cost of living pressures, Aussies are planning on indulging in plenty of chocolate-y goodness this Easter with almost six in ten (59 per cent) saying they plan to fork out for chocolate gifts, with average spend coming in at $62.

NSW residents are tipped to spend the most on food and chocolate at $108 per person, and this is set to account for around $515 million in spend.

Zahra said that while inflation is driving a hike in Easter spending (I’m looking at you, $20 Dairy Milk egg), natural spending growth is still evident.

“We’re seeing an increase of more than 14 per cent on Easter food spending compared to last year, which does outstrip inflationary gains,” Zahra said. “An additional 1.8 million people are planning to stock up on hot cross buns, Easter eggs and other Easter-centric foods. Aussies simply want to treat themselves during a tough period.”

The Finder research also found 13 per cent of Australians were prepping for a long weekend getaway, with the average spend coming in at $471.

Meanwhile, alcohol sales are also predicted to increase over the long weekend as many Aussies imbibe in a tipple to celebrate the Easter break. Despite economic pressures, the ARA data reports over a third of Australia saying they will kick on with an alcoholic beverage this weekend  – with a whopping $275 million expected to be spent on alcohol.

“Australians are under severe pressure right now due to the rising cost of living and interest rate hikes but, for many, Easter is time to relax and enjoy special time with family and friends,” Zahra concluded.

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Kochie’s Business Builders on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Now read this:

https://www.kochiesbusinessbuilders.com.au/sweet-easter-ahead-for-small-businesses-but-dont-forget-to-be-kind/