An Auckland business group says the next three days are critical for retailers.
The Newmarket Business Association says there have been more pre-Christmas sales this year than ever before.
General manager Cameron Brewer says shoppers have cut their spending money and the number of people they are buying for.
He says 2008 has been hard for retailers, with operating costs up and the dollar down, so margins are very tight.
Mr Brewer says the next 72 hours are crucial, as the Government and Treasury both predict 2009 to be very difficult.
