Australia's two largest cities are gradually emerging from months-long COVID-19 lockdowns.
Millions of people are trickling back into shops and spending the money that they saved up not going anywhere over the winter.
So which consumer goods ASX shares are in pole position to take advantage?
Marcus Today portfolio manager Thomas Wegner has a couple of ideas:
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Buy these ASX shares to take a comfy seat
Shares for furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) have risen an eye-opening 36.7% since the start of October.
They were given a nice boost last month when the business revealed its intentions to acquire sofa retailer Plush for $103 million.
Wegner likes the direction Nick Scali is heading in.
"October trading was buoyant after New South Wales opened," he told The Bull.
"We expect the same to occur in Victoria when it fully opens."
For the 2021 financial year, Nick Scali boasted a 100% increase in underlying net profit after tax, to hit $84.2 million.
"September quarter revenue in fiscal year 2022 was in line with last year, which we commend given lockdowns and shipping delays."
The company also returns a handy dividend yield of more than 4%.
The stock that's up 75 times since listing
Stocks for recreational vehicle accessories maker ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB) has been a favourite of long-term investors.
Earlier this year, Celeste Funds Management analyst Eric Nguyen pointed out that his fund had made 13-times its investment and, overall, ARB shares have multiplied 70 times since its ASX listing.
As of Tuesday's close, ARB shares have risen 75.7 times their float price in 1987.
But the stock has done pretty well in the short term too. ARB shares have risen 60% since the start of the year.
"This 4-wheel drive accessories company is continuing to perform despite lockdown restrictions," said Wegner.
"It posted good sales and profit growth in the September quarter, and we expect this to continue in the first half of financial year 2022."
He added that the order book "remains strong" both in Australia and overseas.
"The company is continuing with its product and store development work program in Australia amid expanding its manufacturing capability."
