Australia Post report highlights latest online shopping trends.

 

Australians spent a record $69 billion on online goods in the past year, up 12 per cent from the year prior, as reported in Australia Post’s 2025 Annual eCommerce Report released yesterday.   

 

The report reveals 9.8 million Australian households shopped online in 2024, spending the most at online marketplaces (almost $16 billion), food and liquor ($13.6 billion) and fashion and apparel ($9.6 billion).   

 

Despite online shopping reaching an all-time high in Australia, cost-of-living pressures saw the average basket size drop to $95, down 2.1% from last year and the lowest in a decade. 

 

Today’s online shoppers are now sharing their dollars across an average of 16 retailers, making it easy to compare to find the best price which can reduce customer loyalty.  

 

Australia Post executive general manager parcel, post and e-commerce services Gary Starr said: “With cost-of-living pressures and high inflation an ongoing concern, Aussies turn to key sales events and loyalty programs to stretch their dollar further. 

 

“As online shopping continues to outpace bricks and mortar, retailers who don’t participate in as many sales events throughout the year should consider developing an enticing loyalty strategy. That could be via a subscription or other forms of rewards and points to create loyalty, consistency and in return repeat purchases,” Starr said..   

 

The highest growth across the country was in the Northern Territory, which saw 11.3 per cent growth in the number of online purchases, followed closely by Tasmania (11.1per cent) and Queensland (7.3 per cent).