There was a slight drop in online retail sales in October 2021 reaching $4.1 billion (down 3.4 per cent), but the figures were up more than 33 per cent from October last year.
Non-food online sales reached $3 billion in October – an increase of 38.5 per cent compared to the same time last year. Online food sales in October were just over $1 billion – an increase of 21.7 per cent compared to October 2020.
Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra said online sales represented 13.2 per cent of total retail spending in October, following last month’s record high of 15.3 per cent.
“It’s no surprise to see a slight drop in the proportion of online spending for October, given the Delta lockdowns came to an end in NSW, Victoria and the ACT and people returned to physical stores. The overall trend though for online sales remains incredibly strong, up 33.8 per cent compared to the same time last year,” Mr Zahra said.
“We’re continuing to see a lot of pent-up demand for shopping across Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra with people back out and about in great numbers supporting their local businesses, which is great to see. We’re coming off a record-breaking Black Friday, with sales exceeding $8 billion according to NAB – well above expectations.
“This has provided retailers with strong momentum leading up to Christmas – the busiest time of year on the retail calendar, when most discretionary stores make up to two thirds of their profits.
“Despite the lurking threat of Omicron, we’re encouraged to see state and territory leaders stay committed to their reopening plans. The delayed return of international students and skilled migrants is disappointing, but not surprising, so staff shortages will remain a challenge for businesses going forward.
“We have to learn to live with the virus, and [its] variants, and manage things in a responsible way without devastating businesses and livelihoods. If severe restrictions are reintroduced on retail, it would derail our recovery, just when the sector is getting its mojo back.”
