Canberra retailers are hoping the Christmas period will make up for a disappointing few months, with sales falling flat despite improving consumer confidence.
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Wendy Loftus, who has managed the Living in Style gift shop in Manuka for 28 years, said it had been a tough year for many, although there was hope a Christmas bump could bring relief.
"I think everyone would agree with that," she said. "The politics of the last few months have had an impact, but there is a much more positive feel now from my suppliers and other retailers."
Retail turnover remained flat during September, with total industry sales increasing by just one per cent since April.
Nationally, retail turnover increased by 0.3 per cent during September, following a similar increase in August. Online retail turnover contributed 3.3 per cent to total retail turnover.
Jenny Shaw, who manages a local retail store in Braddon, said it had been a tough year and many retailers were hopeful a good November and December could ease stress.
"I've been in this business for a long time and we're now up against online retail stores and bigger commercial chains," she said.
"As a retailer, you've really got to wise up when it comes to online shopping, as many customers think they can just find something they like then go online to find it cheaper.
"It can be frustrating but I make sure anything I stock is at least the same price or cheaper than available online."
Despite the challenges, Ms Loftus said she had noticed a change in consumer attitudes and suppliers in recent weeks.
"Christmas is our number one trading time so you need to make a success of it and I've never had a bad Christmas in 28 years," she said.
"You have to be organised because it goes mad here at Christmas. I take on a couple of juniors during this period and there seems to be good mood going into this one."
Earlier this month, ANZ-Roy Morgan research found Australian consumer confidence had increased by 1.6 per cent.
"Households will be looking for the Turnbull government to deliver a clear and credible economic platform to return the economy to trend growth," ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan said. "This will be critical in the face of a slowing housing market."
But ANZ economists have also voiced scepticism about improving retail figures and market confidence.
"We are sceptical that optimism surrounding the new prime minister can overwhelm the headwinds from a softening housing market and ongoing weak wages growth," they said.
