Online retail sales have remained strong, despite customers returning to physical stores, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates.
According to the figures, online purchases reached $4.1 billion in October, up 33.8% compared to October 2020.
Despite the year-on-year increase, the online figures were slightly down in month-on-month terms, down 3.4% compared to September 2021.
The ABS reports that non-food online sales were just over $3 billion in October, up 38.5% compared to October last year.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said the sector is rebounding well after lockdowns.
"It’s no surprise to see a slight drop in the proportion of online spending for October, given the Delta lockdowns came to an end in NSW, Victoria and the ACT and people returned to physical stores.
"The overall trend though for online sales remains incredibly strong, up 33.8% compared to the same time last year.
"We’re continuing to see a lot of pent-up demand for shopping across Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra with people back out and about in great numbers supporting their local businesses, which is great to see.
"We’re coming off a record-breaking Black Friday, with sales exceeding $8 billion according to NAB – well above expectations," he said.
Zahra added that it is also encouraging for retailers to know state leaders are keeping their reopening plans on track, despite the lurking Omicron variant.
"We’re encouraged to see state and territory leaders stay committed to their reopening plans.
"The delayed return of international students and skilled migrants is disappointing, but not surprising, so staff shortages will remain a challenge for businesses going forward.
"We have to learn to live with the virus, and it’s variants, and manage things in a responsible way without devastating businesses and livelihoods.
"If severe restrictions are reintroduced on retail, it would derail our recovery, just when the sector is getting its mojo back," he said.