PayPal, eBay and Australia Post are forecasting this week to be the busiest ever online shopping week, peaking with eBay’s busiest online shopping day on December 11.

According to PayPal’s Secure Insights report; eBay, PayPal and Australia Post predict a surge in spending this week as consumers look to save time and money by shopping for this year’s Christmas presents online or via their smartphone.

Australia Post predicts it will deliver an extra 3 million parcels this December.

Elena Wise, acting MD of PayPal Australia said that over the last year, online commerce in Australia has grown at a rate of 11 per cent. 

“This year, consumers will be shopping across a mix of retail channels, from their PC’s, to their mobiles to in-store. Wherever they are shopping, consumers are looking for flexibility, convenience and security,” said Wise. 

Ahmed Fahour, MD and CEO, Australia Post said the company was prepared for the surge in volumes.

“We’re opening more than 700 of our retail outlets for extended hours on weekdays and have 2400 retail outlets now open on Saturdays to make collecting your parcels even easier.  Since July, we’ve seen parcels growing at almost 13 per cent compared to the same time last year – a figure which can be directly linked to Australians taking up online shopping in record numbers. ”

On December 11 on eBay.com.au:

 A piece of women’s clothing will be sold every 6 seconds

 A piece of fashion jewellery will be sold every 12 seconds

 A pair of women’s shoes will be sold every 40 seconds

A watch will be sold every 46 seconds