Consumer Behaviour Changes Retailers Should Expect this Christmas

In the study from PayPal, Australians plan to do a whopping 90 percent more shopping online this holiday season, compared to previous years.

Furthermore, 48 percent of Aussie will do their Christmas shopping online, with 52percent spending the money in-store. In previous years, the split wasn’t nearly as even, with 75 percent spent in-store and 25 percent online.

“Twenty-twenty has been an unusual year for us all with the pandemic changing many aspects of our daily lives, and Christmas will be no exception,” said Danielle Grant, the Consumer Shopping Expert at PayPal Australia.

“This year many more Australians will shift their shopping behaviour and purchase gifts online, rather than in-store – with safety and security driving this trend.”

The increased popularity and demand for local businesses and retailers have skyrocketed in Australia, with 37 percent of consumers planning to buy Australian-made gifts when possible.

Moreover, 42 percent said they would be giving presents ‘with purpose’ this year, on initiatives such as the Buy From the Bush campaign. A further 37 percent said, where they can, are happy to pay a bit more to support small Australian businesses that are doing it tough this Christmas season.

“There are so many beautiful, unique gifts to discover from small businesses in the bush. All with a precious story of origin. The great joy of buying from the bush at Christmas is knowing the impact of your purchase. The gift you buy your loved one is also a gift to a small rural community. It generates cashflow, creates jobs and provides opportunity for growth,” Grant said.

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