With predicted sales in excess of $51 billion over the pre-Christmas trading period, the Australian Retailers Association anticipates online shopping to be a preference for Australian consumers this holiday.

ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman notes it has seen a gravitational shift toward shoppers turning to online platforms to hunt for gifts, and expects to see a 2.7 per cent increase in online gift purchases.

“Christmas is fast becoming the most opportune season for shoppers to purchase gifts online, with online platforms offering convenience and a range of delivery options in the 24-hour marketplace,” Zimmerman said.

“Online shopping accounts for over $23 billion annually in Australia, and the ARA and Neto expect even more consumers to use online platforms to get in early and avoid the rush that occurs in the lead up to Christmas.”

With the growing popularity of newer online shopping days such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Zimmerman expects these events to kick off the pre-Christmas sales and encourage retailers to prepare for the festive season, leading up to the most favourable sales day – Boxing Day.

According to Neto founder and chief executive Ryan Murtagh, online retailing has experienced a 30 per cent increase over the past year, with fashion experiencing an online growth of 57 per cent year-on-year.

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