It seems Australian consumers love an online shopping spree, with new research revealing shoppers spent a record $21.3 billion online in 2017.
Australia Post’s annual Inside Australian Online Shopping Report has revealed Australians spent 18.7 per cent more online last year compared to 2016, with local retailers accounting for more than 80 per cent of the total spend.
Fashion continues to be the top selling category, increasing 27.2 per cent in the past year. Health and beauty products are also popular with online shoppers, growing 13.2 per cent, while homewares and appliances recorded a 10.9 per cent rise.
The May/June period posted the strongest growth during 2017, with online purchases up 32.2 per cent. Australia Post general manager for parcels and express services, Ben Franzi, attributed this to an increase in retailers offering end of financial (EOFY) sales for longer.
Franzi says Australians are increasingly shopping online because of the value, choice and convenience, and are embracing online marketplaces.
“Marketplaces—such as Amazon, eBay and Etsy—are booming, growing 74.8 per cent in the past year alone,” he says.
“Australians really appreciate the convenience of being able to access goods from a variety of sellers in the one location. In the past year we have seen new marketplace entrants, which is always great to see, and recognises the increased customer traffic that this type of format offers.”
Australian retailers are also embracing marketplaces, with platforms such as Alibaba’s Tmall Global and JD.com helping local businesses to expand internationally. Retailers selling fashion, cosmetics, health supplements and other wellbeing products are among Australia’s more popular online exports.
“Marketplaces make it easier for consumers in our key export markets—China, the United States, and India—to find Australian products and offer a more convenient way for local businesses to start selling overseas,” says Franzi.
“By 2019, total online goods purchases from across the globe is set to reach US$2.16 trillion (AU$2.86 trillion), so this market represents a huge opportunity for Australian retailers.”
By Ruth Cooper
