While Australian bricks and mortar retailers grapple with low consumer confidence and sales figures, eBay claims its largest businesses are optimistic about the year ahead.

According to eBay’s own Online Business Index (OBI), an annual survey of eBay’s top Australian businesses, its top 2000 sellers grew revenue by 45 per cent, and its top 3000 sellers increased staff by 20 per cent from the previous year.

Almost 160 Australian eBay businesses achieved $1 million in sales in 2011, up 31 per cent from the previous year.

With more and more Australians using their mobile to research, shop and browse, 72 per cent top 3000 eBay sellers said mobile commerce will play an important role in their business strategy in 2012, however, 17 per cent said they don’t know how they’ll invest in mobile commerce and 40 per cent said they lack the knowledge to make informed mobile investments.

The report also found that pressure from manufacturers and suppliers continues, with 34 per cent of respondents reporting some suppliers tried to prevent them from selling products online, similar to the result in 2011.

International competition (60 per cent), the state of the global economy (56 per cent) and postage costs (55 per cent) were cited as the biggest challenges that will impact respondents’ growth.

Deborah Sharkey, eBay vice president, said retailers on eBay were some of the first to recognise the growth opportunities of online retail and have continued to innovate, adapt and integrate multi-channel business models to stay ahead of their competitors.”

“In 2012, e-commerce and increasingly mobile commerce will continue to drive retail growth. There is great opportunity for Australian businesses to invest in innovative mobile solutions to reach the new mobile consumer,” Sharkey said.