Retail spending spiked 0.5 per cent in February to $27.8 billion, seasonally adjusted, reports the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
But prior to the release of the March figures, Australia Post is experiencing the sort of delivery volumes usually associated with the festive season.
The sectors seeing a huge upsurge in online orders include department stores, pharmacy and athleisure wear, as Australians ramp up their exercise routines during social distancing restrictions.
Australia Post staff are working overtime, as volumes in its national delivery business have grown by up to 50 per cent since mid-March.
Pharmacy item orders have increased 284 per cent, department store orders are up 184 per cent and athleisure wear ordering has surged 28 per cent, says Australia Post.
The nation’s postal service has also inaugurated a Pharmacy Home Delivery Service, which helps to meet the needs of vulnerable members of the community and ensures they receive medical and other essential supplies.
For more information, visit the Department of Health home page for eligibility requirements and conditions.