Online shopping to reach parity with in-store buys by 2030, new research shows

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 1,000 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. 

Rebecca Burrows, Australia Post general manager of segment development and marketing - business and government, 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," said Ms Burrows. 

However, research commissioned by CouriersPlease found that major improvements are needed for Australians to shop from new online categories. 

"For 60 per cent of survey respondents, shipping and returns need to be cheaper if they are to purchase from product categories they have not purchased before.

"Over half (56 per cent) said products must be shown more clearly and realistically on the store’s website, while 53 per cent want easier returns," CouriersPlease said.