In good news for Australian online homewares retailers, new data from Roy Morgan Research has shown that as online shopping continues to rise, Australian shoppers are more likely to buy from local sites.
On average, last year 40 per cent of Australians over 14 bought something via the internet during a four week period. Of these, almost two thirds of them purchased locally.
Out of 51 product categories, only six—video games and consoles, ebooks, books, jewellery and watches, TV show downloads and fashion accessories—were more commonly purchased from overseas websites. The rest, including homewares, women’s clothing and toys, were more commonly bought from local sites.
“There’s no doubt about it: the internet has revolutionised the way we shop, giving us unprecedented access to the global marketplace,” says Geoffrey Smith, Roy Morgan Research general manager-consumer products. “But in great news for Aussie online retailers, the majority of Australians prefer to buy from local rather than overseas websites.
“With overseas markets more accessible than ever via online shopping, it’s crucial for local online and traditional retailers to stay abreast of consumer’s shifting needs, expectations and preferences.”
