New data from eStore Logistics reveals an 80% growth in online shopping orders in April this year when compared to a non-Covid year (2019).
According to the e-commerce fulfilment provider, the data paints a picture that the pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on accelerating the online shopping habits of Australians.
“Online shopping remains popular amongst consumers even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased drastically and physical stores, shopping centres, and high streets are open for business,” says eStore Logistics.
“In fact, there has been a 51% growth in online orders in the last 12 months, in comparison to the 12 months prior.”
The new norm
E-commerce orders have, however, slowed since the same time last year when most physical stores were shut, and shoppers were buying online.
“In comparison to April last year, during peak lockdown, there has been a steady 9% decrease in online sales. This is not hugely significant considering the climate of April 2020,” says eStore Logistics.
“Fashion, however, boomed by 44% in April this year in comparison to last showing that more people are buying clothes online now. This could largely be a result of shoppers having a greater need for a diversified wardrobe, with many saying bye to Zoom to head into the office, or parting with Netflix and Uber Eats to eat out with friends.
“Home and renovation is also still booming YoY with 20% growth in online orders from this April to last. The category has seen incredible growth over the past year, with at least 100% YoY growth every month. A big reason for this is because border closures have inspired Australian families to use holiday budgets to renovate and buy items for their homes.”
When it comes to supermarkets, though, fewer people are now buying their groceries online.
According to the eStore Logistics data, food and beverage are flattening and dropping from 44% YoY growth earlier in the year to -1% this April.
“While [buying groceries online] was common during the peak of the pandemic,” says the company, “it’s becoming increasingly common for people to want to buy food in-store.”