CCIQ Pulse Survey: Sunshine Coast businesses the most confident for Christmas trade

Friday 12 November, 2021 | By: Emma Clarke

Sunshine Coast businesses are the most optimistic in the state heading into Christmas however many are still not expecting the traditional festive spending cheer.

Results from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s (CCIQ) September quarter Pulse Survey show general business conditions on the Sunshine Coast are expected to increase seven points in the December quarter, the biggest jump in the state.

From Cape York to Caloundra, Cloncurry to Cunnamulla, CCIQ’s quarterly Pulse Survey is the state’s most established and comprehensive survey of business confidence. 

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Acting CEO Brady Sullivan said while local businesses were expecting the most significant improvement from across nine regions Queensland-wide, results were still only satisfactory and lacking the usual Christmas business boost.

“At this time of year, businesses on the Sunshine Coast should typically expect to come out to shine with locals and tourists splashing their cash in the Christmas spirit,” Mr Sullivan said.

Mr Sullivan said businesses on the Sunshine Coast were especially innovative and able to diversify into new markets.

“We have seen a large number of new businesses attracted to our region and historically our local business has been strong in adapting and developing into new markets, so it’s not surprising they’re more optimistic in future business conditions than those in other regions,” he said.

“It’s likely a December 17 border re-opening date has also given some Sunshine Coast businesses the light at the end of the trading tunnel with the general business conditions outlook for the December quarter the highest in the state and even above Brisbane.

“However, December quarter outlook is still only considered average on the Sunshine Coast and there is work to do to continue to support businesses to be successful into the future."

September quarter business performance on the Sunshine Coast was marginally higher than the state average and slightly above this time last year, when the state’s economy had only just started its COVID recovery.  

CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said the State Government’s road map showed borders and the economy would re-open to fully vaccinated travellers just days before Christmas but businesses were desperate for clearer details around what new COVID trading conditions meant for them.  

“For businesses to be able to accelerate their long term recovery and cash in on Christmas trading, they need to know what they’re up against and how they will be protected to run a businesses in new COVID conditions,” Ms Rohan said.

 

CCIQ media contact

Emma Clarke

Media and Communications Advisor

[email protected] | 0403 944 902

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