Australian retailers are facing one of their worst Christmas periods, with consumer confidence at its lowest since the GFC.

Despite $25 billion in tax cuts, Australian consumers just aren’t spending in brick-and-mortar stores like they used to.

An ANZ/Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence is at its lowest since 2008.

Australians are also shifting away from physical gifts, with many moving towards purchasing experiences and travel.

Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association Russell Zimmerman tells Mark Levy there are many reasons consumers aren’t spending.

“Obviously the drought and the fires have made a big impact in the way people are thinking.

“On Thursday last week the smoke was really bad, and I went to a number of shopping centres… they were very quiet.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/Brendon Thorne