Australian Online Purchases Grew by a Staggering 17.2% in 2019

In 2019 more Australians shopped online than ever before, with new research released by Australia Post revealing that the number of online purchases grew by a staggering 17.2 per cent year on year (YOY).

Don’t Miss

• Do you need a business bank account for your online business? Have a look at our review of the five best bank accounts for sellers, some of which are free with no minimum balance or deposits.
• Boost your social media engagement with Publer. Learn how you can save time writing engaging content faster with AI. ^[sponsored]
• eBay to compete with sellers now!
• New stamp prices and fee increases are coming from USPS on July 9.
• SMALL BUSINESS WEEK SPECIAL: Three tips for SMB ecommerce success in 2023.

Australia Post has released its 2020 eCommerce update, taking a close look at the online shopping trends that emerged in 2019, and how they are impacting shoppers’ behaviours.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday grew 31.6 per cent YOY in 2019 and occurred in late November – merging with the traditional peak sales time for Christmas shopping.

Australia Post General Manager Parcel & Express Services, Ben Franzi said the 2019 growth of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday festival was unprecedented.

“What we are seeing is that the online sales events are dictating shopper spending, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday 77 per cent bigger than the first week of November,” said Mr. Franzi.

“As would be expected, the first half of December had the highest volume for the year, closely followed by the two weeks prior to Christmas, which grew by 18 per cent.”

“Victoria saw the biggest growth in online shopping across the nation, with an increase of 19.9 per cent YOY, followed closely by South Australia at 16.9 per cent growth YOY. The Northern Territory had the least growth at just 7.7 per cent.”

“A third (33.4%) of all online shopping deliveries occurred in New South Wales despite the state seeing below average growth at 16.5% YOY.”

“We saw a higher demand for parcels to be delivered quickly in 2019, with next business day deliveries up 21 per cent YOY, with many Australians loving to shop for clothing and apparel and wanting it as soon as possible, and accounting for 59 per cent of next business day deliveries,” Mr. Franzi continued.”

Shoppers also took advantage of alternate delivery options, with deliveries to Post Offices and Parcel Lockers proving popular with 33.2 per cent growth YOY. Home deliveries were still the preferred method, accounting for more than 80 per cent share.

Australia Post Expects Another Record Year

Looking ahead, Black Friday will fall on 27 November this year.

This timing, coupled with buyers knowing the bargains they get on these days, means growth for this period is expected to surpass once again anything Australia Post has seen before.

Do you think Australia Post is doing a good job managing the increased parcel business from online shopping?

Please use the comments section below or head over to our Facebook Group for Small Business Sellers and interact with other small business owners.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with relevant news and business insights for your online business.

READ MORE: Australia Post Sets Delivery Record Following Big Shopping Days