Tuesday 5 October 2021
Online retail sales continued to skyrocket in August, impacted by prolonged lockdowns and limited physical shopping options in NSW and Victoria, according to the peak body for retail the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).
A record $4.2 billion was spent online in August according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The figures show an increase of 15.1% compared to the previous month, with online sales also up 36.4% compared to August 2020.
Online food sales in August increased 11.7% compared to July and are up 28.8% compared to August 2020. Non-food online sales increased 16.3% in August compared to the previous month and are up 39.2% compared to the same time last year.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said omnichannel investment is paying off for retailers with the astonishing growth in online sales demonstrating pent-up shopping demand.
“Many Australians are turning to the internet for their shopping in a big way with so many of us subject to stay-at-home orders, and that’s reflected in the ABS figures released today with online sales in August going through the roof,” Mr Zahra said.
“This elevated level of online spending is likely to continue right through to Christmas and Australians should make plans to shop earlier this year.
“Our research in conjunction with Roy Morgan shows 48% of Christmas shopping is set to be done online this year, so there’s unlikely to be a let up in demand for products online.
Mr Zahra also cautioned Australians to plan for some supply chain challenges this year.
“There’s a myriad of issues disrupting supply chains this year and whilst retailers have been navigating this extremely well, these supply chain demands are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. With a reopening is on the cards in locked down parts of the country in the coming days and weeks and only 80 days to go till Christmas, consumers should consider shopping now to avoid disappointment.”
