Online sales increased in January, following a small slump in December, reports the latest NAB Online Retail Sales Index.
The much-awaited index estimates that in the 12 month period to January this year, Australians spent $45.6 billion online.
Alan Oster, NAB Chief Economist, said that metro areas continue to lead the way by contrast to regional e-commerce uptake, especially in NSW and Victoria. It’s no surprise that takeway food, still a relatively minor category, increased its share of the national online spend in January from 4.1 per cent to 5.3 per cent.
Strong online sales growth was a lifesaver of Myer in the first half of fiscal 2021.
Overall sales dropped 13.1 per cent over the period to $1.398 billion. But group online sales jumped 71 per cent to $287.6 million, making up 21 per cent of total sales in the first six months of the financial year.
Beauty put in a stellar performance with sales rising 129 per cent followed by homewares sales which picked up 116 per cent.
Myer’s loyalty program – MYER One – also proved its worth over the period. The department store chain introduced $10 reward cards and more than one million new members signed up to take advantage of the offer.
Online continues to grow at record levels, now representing 21 per cent of our business in the first half, noted John King, CEO of the Myer Group. “That’s double what it was a year ago.”
The company does not expect online growth to continue at the same levels in the second half of the financial year, adds King. “However, we do expect continued growth as this channel continues to gain momentum as we build range and choice for our customers, and operational efficiencies.”