Shoppers spend big in run-up to Christmas

FORECAST RETAIL SALES FOR THE 10 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

* Bricks-and-mortar stores $17.8 billion nationally, including:

* $5.8 billion NSW

* $4.7 billion Victoria

* $3.4 billion Queensland

* $1.9 billion Western Australia

* $1.2 billion South Australia

* $351 million Tasmania

* $318 million ACT

* $149 million Northern Territory

* Online shopping $1.07 billion nationally

# Figures supplied the National Retail Association