The value of retail sales over the Christmas season in Brazil rose to 51 billion reais (US$15.4 billion) this year, 4.74 percent more than last year, Xinhua reports.
The Chinese state-run news agency, citing estimates made by the Brazilian Credit Protection Service and National Commerce Confederation, says each Brazilian spent an average of 462 reais between December 18 and December 24.
The report quotes Brazilian Credit Protection Service President Roque Pellizzaro as saying the economic recovery prodded consumers to spend more this year, despite the difficulty of borrowing and high interest rates.
In each of the preceding three years retail sales over the Christmas season were lower than the year before, Xinhua says.
