CAIRNS retailers are looking forward to a positive 2013, after better post-Christmas sales last year than in 2011.

Queenslanders were tipped to spend $3 billion on cut-priced items from Boxing Day to mid-January, while national figures are estimated to hit $14.8 billion, a 3.9 per cent increase on last year's Australian Retail Association prediction.

Smithfield Shopping Centre's Totem Clothing and Accessories owner Dave Brooks said the days after Christmas brought a steady flow of customers through the store.

"We've had a slightly better year," he said.

"It's certainly picked up from (2011) and I hope it leads into (this) year.

"Immediately after Christmas is still much busier. The first couple of days after, people come in for the sales with their Christmas money. People are in a good mood."

Smithfield Shopping Centre marketing manager Deborah McKilligan said bargain hunters had flooded the centre to make the most of sales.

Cairns Central shopping centre marketing manager Louise Struber said Boxing Day traffic was up 32 per cent on 2011.
"We've experienced a stronger post-Christmas trading period in comparison to 2011," she said.

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