Experts have warned that Australian retail may take years to recover, with continual sales over the past year having trained consumers to expect, and only accept, reduced prices.

The warnings come as research group TNS’ Discount Retailing Study found that 65 percent of Australians perceive retailers to constantly have sales at the moment. According to TNS’ director of retail and shopper research, Chris Kirby, "This more proactive group of consumers display a high willingness to search for information, engage with brands, bargain for the best deal and access and contribute to word-of-mouth and user reviews"