Online purchases continue to grow with more Australians shopping online than ever before. New research from Australia Post indicates total purchases topping $21.3 billion for the first time, a 18.7% increase compared with 2016 with local retailers accounting for more than 80% of the total spend.
Australia Post today released its annual Inside Australian Online Shopping Report– an overview of Australia’s eCommerce market which identifies who is buying what and where online.
Ben Franzi, Australia Post General Manager for Parcels & Express Services, said Australians shopped online to access greater value, choice and convenience, and a clear example of this was the rise of online market places.
“Marketplaces – such as Amazon, eBay and Etsy – are booming, growing 74.8 per cent in the past year alone,” Mr Franzi said.
“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, in recognising the increased customer traffic that this type of format offers.”
Mr Franzi said marketplaces, such as Alibaba’s Tmall Global and JD.com, were helping Australian retailers access the lucrative international market, the total online spend of which has increased 46.7% to $US1.57 trillion ($A2.08 trillion) in the past two years.
“Marketplaces make it easier for consumers in our key export markets – China, United States, and India – find Australian products and offer a more convenient way for local businesses to start selling overseas.
“By 2019, total online goods purchases from across the globe is set to reach $US2.16 trillion ($A2.86 trillion), so this market represents a huge opportunity for Australian retailers.”
Fashion continues to top online purchases, increasing 27.2% in the past year. Health and beauty products remain popular, growing 13.2%, while homewares and appliances recorded 10.9% growth.
When it comes to export; fashion, health supplements and other wellbeing products, and cosmetics are among Australia’s most popular online category.
It comes as no surprise that the end of financial year sale period (May/June) and Christmas period posted the strongest growth during 2017.
