As the Black Friday 2024 shopping frenzy approaches, Australian retailers are gearing up for their biggest challenge yet – managing skyrocketing demand while staying efficient. The key to thriving? Automation.
This year, Australian shoppers are expected to spend a jaw-dropping $6.7 billion during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, up 5.5 per cent from 2023, according to Roy Morgan. In the six weeks leading to Christmas, that number will balloon to $69.7 billion, marking a 2.7 per cent increase from last year. To seize this massive opportunity, retailers must ensure smooth, scalable shopping experiences, and automation is the way forward.
Black Friday 2024 snapshot:
- A $6.7 billion projected spending over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.
- A 5.5 per cent rise in spending from last year.
- A forecast $69.7 billion in the lead-up to Christmas.
Why automation is non-negotiable
Australian consumers expect fast deliveries, error-free orders, and seamless shopping journeys. Meanwhile, retailers face a flood of orders, warehouse bottlenecks, and potential supply chain disruptions. Automation is the secret to keeping up with these pressures – streamlining everything from order management to last-mile delivery, ensuring your business stays ahead of the pack.
Black Friday sales are now outpacing Christmas sales. Is your tech stack prepared for the surge?
Building a future-proof tech stack
To survive and thrive during Black Friday, retailers must invest in tech solutions that integrate seamlessly with their current systems – inventory management, CRMs, and shipping tools. A robust, connected tech stack is the backbone of smooth operations during peak shopping periods, ensuring you remain agile and competitive.
Pro Tip: Make sure your tech stack can handle sudden order spikes to avoid system crashes or slowdowns when it matters most.
Case study: Subo Products’ Black Friday win
Subo, an Australian e-commerce retailer, struggled with shipping large volumes of orders until it turned to ShipStation’s automation tools in 2020. By automating carrier selection, real-time address validation, and error reduction, Subo sped up deliveries and cut labour costs by 50 per cent. The result: 250 per cent sales growth, an 81 per cent improvement in order processing speed, and a 300 per cent time-saving on order adjustments – all without delays.
“Whenever we need a more efficient fulfilment solution, ShipStation’s support team is ready with helpful suggestions,” says Jen from Subo.
ShipStation has also revolutionised fulfilment for Aussie retailers like Lovisa and Frank Green, earning the coveted 2024 Shipping Platform Partner of the Year Award from Cin7.
Global tech giving Australian retailers an edge
New global technologies are reshaping the Australian retail landscape. Automation and advanced analytics are now empowering local businesses to navigate both domestic and international markets more efficiently. By adopting automation in areas like supply chain management and customer service, Australian retailers can meet rising global demand and secure long-term growth.
Thought Starter: Is your business ready to integrate AI and automation into your Black Friday strategy?
Optimising shipping with automation
Shipping logistics are a make-or-break factor during Black Friday. With online sales surging, retailers need to quickly select the best carrier for each order. ShipStation’s automation platform simplifies this process, reducing shipping costs and improving delivery times by automatically selecting the most cost-effective and reliable option.
Real-World Impact: Retailer BullyBillows increased fulfilment capacity 10-fold and eliminated shipping errors by using ShipStation’s automation tools.
Reducing picking errors with automation
Black Friday’s high order volumes can lead to human errors in picking and packing, causing costly delays and unhappy customers. Automation tools like barcode scanning and automated picking systems improve accuracy and efficiency, resulting in fewer returns and faster fulfilment.
Automating data entry and inventory management
Manual data entry and outdated inventory systems can choke operations during peak shopping periods. Automation provides real-time visibility into stock levels, preventing stockouts and overselling, so you’re always ready for demand spikes.
Pro Tip: ShipStation’s automation features, like order tagging and address validation, streamline operations and ensure precise inventory control, cutting down on fulfilment errors.
Enhancing customer experience through automation
Automation goes beyond operational efficiency – it elevates the customer experience. AI-powered chatbots, real-time order tracking, and personalised communication help deliver faster, more accurate service during high-traffic periods, boosting both satisfaction and loyalty.
Preparing for a flawless peak season
With Black Friday on the horizon, now is the time to evaluate your tech stack. Automation solutions that integrate order management, inventory control, and customer service are essential for minimising operational stress and delivering exceptional shopping experiences.
Don’t let competitors outpace you this Black Friday. Review your tech stack today and claim your share of the $6.7 billion in sales.
