Shoppers spend more on books in Australian Christmas

Printed books will be the hottest gifts during this Christmas in Australia as the demand for books is booming, according to the local media.

Australian National Retail Association expected Christmas shoppers would spend three billion Australian dollars (about 2.6 billion U.S. dollars) across the country over this weekend.

According to the figures from the Association, 90 percent of shoppers will go to physical stores for the Christmas shopping, while others will do online shopping.

It is notable that a strong domestic demand will make 2013 a huge year for printed books, with 90 percent of members reporting an increase on sales from last year, according to Australian Booksellers Association.

Most booksellers said it is a custom to hand over a book on Christmas and they firmly believe in the longevity of hard-copy books.