Australian Online Stores Are Taking Off
We’ve known for a long time online shopping has been on the rise, but recent studies have shown just how much work some Australians are putting into their stores and how much it’s paying off.
A survey of time spent on over 1,700 Australian stores using Bigcommerce showed a large proportion of administrative work being done after hours, with 48 per cent of store owners still actively working after midnight.
While a great deal of these users are putting in the extra hours, many online store owners are even moonlighting their e-commerce late at night after their full-time or part-time jobs.
Rebecca Guest started Mintgreen.com.au during maternity leave and has seen her traffic and sales grow as a result of all the work she puts into the site.
“I have noticed that both traffic and sales are directly proportional to the amount of time I dedicate to the site each week,” she said.
Selling household items for under $200, Ms Guest often finds the work taking over time for household chores but she still loves every minute of it.
“Running my own business, testing and trying new things and seeing the results first hand is fantastic – it’s such a rush to see something you have spent so much time working on succeeding,” she said.
Like so many Australians, Ms Guest is swimming the online tide.
The online selling boom now represents $13.5 billion of expenditure, and at an average growth of 20 per cent a year it’s growing faster than regular retail sales.
In 2011 international sites were far outstripping our domestic sites but we’ve managed to bounce back. Australian domestic websites are now meeting almost half of this online shopping demand.
Our strongest per capita spending is in the 35-44 age group, particularly in areas such as the ACT, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Many of these residents are well paid but lack access to traditional shopping centres, making online stores the more convenient choice.
Many traditional retailers are failing to keep up with the new market, with Myer’s share price dropping almost $2 since 2009 and David Jones over $3.
Rather than fall behind the online boom, retailers can start an online store to run beside their retail shop. Whether you’re an established business or you’re just starting out, we can help you with a custom designed shopping cart that looks professional, draws attention and is easy for your customers to use.
Interested in upgrading your online store? See more about our e-Commerce website design services or contact us to discuss your project.
