If you compare eCommerce trends across the world and focus on Australia, it’s clear to see there’s an arrow pointing in the upwards direction. In Australia, eCommerce is growing at a rapid pace and there’s little chance of it slowing down anytime soon.
So, what’s feeding the trend? What’s causing millions of dollars to be spent online rather than in stores? Below are four reasons why eCommerce is so strong in Australia.
Increasing number of social media users
Over 16 million people, or every 7 in 10, in Australia have a Facebook page.
What once used to be a means of staying in contact with friends is now a stage for eCommerce, online shopping, trading and so much more. Businesses are starting to see the benefits of advertising on Facebook rather than in more traditional avenues. This means users are exposed to a range of advertising they may have otherwise missed. The result is huge numbers of products being bought and sold on Facebook to boost what was already a strong eCommerce platform.
This is also thanks to Facebook’s ‘Shop’ section which was developed in 2015.
Businesses no longer have to rely on their website to make them money in a competitive eCommerce market. One of the most popular social media platforms in the world is now able to help.
High number of internet users
Out of 201 countries listed by their population with internet access, Australia is in the 32nd spot. Australia has 21 million people with internet access – many of which are contributing to the eCommerce trend. Australians can now shop anywhere their computer is and it’s not limited by opening hours. Many people are encouraged to shop online, often purely by its convenience.
They can simply purchase something while at home or work and have it delivered to their home in a matter of days. With reliable internet making this both an enjoyable and easy process, it’s little wonder it’s contributing to the growing eCommerce trend.
Mobile devices
Smart phones have almost become an extension of our hands. Very rarely do you see someone without one. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to know that almost 20 million Australians own one.
Many of which also jump on the eCommerce bandwagon and use it to shop online.
While it can be said that physical stores are doing just as well as online stores to a certain degree, 84 percent of those shopping in stores use their smart phone to help.
Disposable income
Certain to help the eCommerce trend is the healthy position Australia’s financials are in.
Australians, on average, earn $81,947 per year. This allows for plenty of leisure shopping. Australia’s GDP also sat at 1204.62 trillion US dollars in 2016. This good position has given the Australian population enough confidence to shop to their heart’s content.
Sources:
http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users-by-country/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/274677/forecast-of-mobile-phone-users-inaustralia/
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7063-roy-morgan-state-of-the-nation-26-retail-november-2016-201611232030
https://www.ecommercewiki.org/Prot:Australia_B2C_Ecommerce_Country_Report
https://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-january-2017/ http://www.pfsweb.com/blog/2016-australia-ecommerce-market/