Aussie shoppers will be just as likely to open their wallets online as they will in-store in a decade's time, with new research by Australia Post revealing that by 2030, it is expected that one-in-two purchases will be made digitally.
The survey of almost one thousand small and mid-size Australian businesses across retail, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, education, health and utilities found that almost half (49 per cent) expect online retail to reach parity with bricks and mortar retail sales in 2030.
The findings come as online shoppers are invited to celebrate their favourite online retailer by voting in the Australia Post ORIAS People's Choice Award. Voters have the chance to win the ultimate online shopping spree, an opportunity to spend $10,000 in 60 seconds on a range of products across travel, technology, fashion, homewares and leisure.
Rebecca Burrows, Australia Post General Manager of Segment Development & Marketing, said consumer habits have changed significantly over the past few years, with retailers evolving to find new ways that encourage people to buy.
"People want an in-store experience but in the comfort of their own living room – they want to see, touch and try. Trends such as Augmented Reality (AR) are bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping and AI-driven personalisation and biometric payments, are all shaping the way we shop. Leading retailers are also embracing mobile commerce and voice-activated shopping. It is those in tune with customers and willing to embrace the latest online technology trends that will have the winning strategy."
One company doing this is fashion-tech company, GlamCorner, who is a contender for this year's Australia Post ORIAS People's Choice Award.
Dean Jones, Co-founder & CEO, said GlamCorner's vision is to revolutionise the way Australian women think about their wardrobes by providing a smarter and more sustainable alternative that is better for the community and the environment.
"One of the most important initiatives we've implemented over the past 12 months has been in direct response to customer feedback. We've introduced a Monthly Subscription Box service, which gives our customers near-unlimited access to three pieces of designer clothing each month for formal occasions, workwear or everyday wear," he said.
"The service is growing at an exponential rate – contributing significantly to the 30 tonnes of clothing we process each month. As a result, our customers are telling us their wardrobes are shrinking, while they still have a fresh new look every day."
Voting for the Australia Post ORIAS People's Choice Award for 2019 runs from 1-31 May via auspost.com.au/shoppingspree.
