Households shook off their financial woes to go on the biggest pre-Christmas spending spree in two years, lured by Black Friday sales and other discounts. Defying the pressure from surging living costs and high interest rates, shoppers splurged on toys, appliances, clothes, electronics and cosmetics in November, including an extra 7.5 per cent on household goods and a 4.2 per cent increase in department store purchases. Food sales were up just 0.4 per cent. The value of retail turnover rose 2 per cent to reach $36.5 billion, the biggest monthly jump since November 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Spending in…
