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The Online Shopping Landscape - See How Shoppers are Making Purchases Online
We now understand the convenience of shopping online. For some, it is a default method of purchasing necessities but for others, the rise in cost of living has deterred them from going through the hoops of a virtual checkout. Overall, the undeniable benefits of online shopping is evident, either for personal purchases or gifting for loved ones. See how Aussies' shopping habits have changed according to research conducted by AusPost.
Trends in how Australians are making online purchases.
- Online spending in Australia was down 4.6% compared to 2022 at $63.6b, but Aussies are making more frequent purchases.
More people shopped at Online Marketplace platforms and variety stores to get the best deal. The Food & Liquor category was the only one to have seen an increase in spend, due to more shoppers buying groceries online.
Online shopping is the ‘new normal’ – the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a surge of online shopping. By September 2021, online spending reached its peak with 1 in 4 retail dollars being spent digitally, making eCommerce an integral aspect of daily life.
Amid the rising cost of living, shoppers aren’t backing away from online spending. They are just more selective in where and how they shop, and what they shop for. There was an increase in smaller but more frequent purchases instead of larger ones.
8 in 10 households made an online purchase in 2023, indicating that both convenience and efficiency were determining factors in opting to shop online, versus in-store.
Sustainability has never been more significant in the eyes of the consumer. 62% of online shoppers will make allowances and pay more for goods from retailers that align with their values around sustainability.
How online retailers are shifting to cater to consumer needs.
To shift more purchasing power to the consumer, online retailers have taken on measures to implement a better returns and refunds policy, as well as normalise free shipping on online orders.
Retailers are putting more emphasis on online sales events. Black Friday sales saw a whopping 88% purchase increase during the period compared to 2019, while Boxing Day saw a jump of 67%.
- A stronger focus around sustainability is more commonplace. Offering sustainable alternatives aligns with shoppers' values. As an example, our Green Mastercard Gift Card is a offers a no plastic option, perfect for the shopper who prefers to minimise their environmental impact.
Year-on-year change in online spend:
Gen Z (18-26) -11%
Gen Y – (27-43) -2%
Gen X – (44-59) +1%
Baby Boomers (60-78) +7%
What category does each generation prefer?
Gen Z (18-26) Fashion – 23%
Gen Y – (27-43) Speciality Food & Liquor – 23%
Gen X – (44-59) Home & Garden – 27%
Baby Boomers (60-78) Home & Garden – 29%
Where do gift cards fall in the online shopping landscape?
Over the years, online and digital buying options have become more and popular. At Card.Gift, we know this, that’s why we have designed our gift cards to be easily accessible and convenient, putting the power of choice in the hands of Aussies.
Whatever the gifting occasion, gift cards are the ideal solution, offering flexibility and options to personalise. It could be for a family member, partner, staff or a friend - the convenience factor lies in the 'one-stop shop' nature of our online Card.Gift platform.
Gift cards ensure that your present is always perfect, as the recipient can choose exactly what they want to spend it on. They take the guesswork out of gift-giving, which means you won't have to deal with potential returns or shipping costs that are attributed with other physical products bought online. In the same way, eliminate shipping times with the instant delivery to email or phone number with digital gift cards - the perfect last-minute gift!
Explore our range of digital gift cards and give the gift of choice. Shop here and make your online shopping experience effortless and meaningful.
