Australians have set a new benchmark for online shopping across this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period, with parcel volumes surging 6.3% year-on-year (YoY)1, driving Australia Post's busiest delivery day on record, with over 5.8 million parcels processed in one day.
Shoppers spent approximately $1.5 billion online2 during retail's biggest shopping event of the year as 3.1 million Australian households shopped online (9.2% increase YoY) - making it the most active cyber sales period to date3.
This year's top performing categories delivered some surprises, with a 42% growth in Athleisure proving Aussies are sports-gear obsessed. Books and Stationery was the second-highest performing category, experiencing a strong 24.7% growth YoY. Women's Fashion experienced an 18% increase YoY, with Department Stores also performing strongly - up 16% YoY, as Aussies continue to support domestic online retailers.
Despite a record-breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday four-day period, sales momentum began well before the official start date of 28 November. Retailers launched early deals to stand out from competitors, and since November, parcel volumes have grown significantly, indicating shoppers are being strategic and value-driven online ahead of Christmas.
Across the country, New South Wales shopped the most online, accounting for one third of total eCommerce parcel volumes. Western Australia recorded the strongest growth in online shopping, with a 10.8% spike YoY, followed by Victoria (up 6.3% YoY), and Queensland (up 6% YoY).
Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr said despite deals starting sooner, Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to be defining moments on the retail calendar.
"Our latest Quarterly eCommerce report found 50% of shoppers had their sights set on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, a trend clearly reflected in this record-setting sales period.
"We anticipate this surge to continue well up until Christmas, and to keep up with the demand, Australia Post has been preparing for another record-breaking delivery season.
"To support the increased parcel volumes, we've been heavily investing in our network with next-generation Post Offices, a new national electric delivery vehicle fleet, increasing our workforce and implementing weekend deliveries and extended trading hours. We are ready to deliver the magic this Christmas," Mr Starr said.
The AusPost app also experienced a significant rise in engagement over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period with 14.8 million app visits and 2.7 million customers4 (up 28% YoY) using Australia's top-ranked business app5, with parcel tracking remaining the most frequently accessed feature.
Parcel Locker usage also continues to grow, offering customers a free, secure and convenient way to receive their online shopping.
With Christmas just around the corner, Australia Post is also reminding customers of last sending dates. Parcels should be sent by Monday 22 December for same state deliveries and Friday 19 December for interstate deliveries, or if sending via Express Post, by Tuesday 23 December. People sending to or from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, or regional and remote locations, should allow a few extra days.
For the full list of domestic and international sending deadlines, please visit auspost.com.au/sending/christmas-sending-dates.
