The ABS found that online spending declined by 1.3 per cent in September compared with August, reaching $4.06 billion. A similar decline (1.6 per cent) was recorded from July to August.
Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra said this follows a familiar trajectory in recent years, where sales decrease before the start of the all-important holiday season.
“We’re seeing changing shopping habits from Australians as they continue to combat the cost-of-living crisis,” Zahra said.
“A record number of shoppers are expected to turn to the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales to buy Christmas presents to make their household budgets stretch further.
“Given the challenges experienced by the sector this year, retailers will be hoping to see sustained spending beyond that final weekend of November.”
A recent report by Roy Morgan and the ARA projected $11.8 billion in retail spending from Australian consumers during this year’s holiday season, a 15 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
“Discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their profits in the all-important Christmas trading period. Hence, it is critical to do well enough to be able to sustain the winter months,” Zahra added.
“Retailers employ tens of thousands of additional casual staff over the peak season providing many with the opportunity to earn additional income.”
More than 16 million Australians are projected to purchase gifts this year, an increase of 1 per cent on a year-on-year comparison.
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