Retail & e-Commerce

Retailers in this industry operate websites that enable consumers to purchase a broad range of products such as apparel, computers, recorded music, electronic goods, general merchandise and groceries. Industry participants are either pure-play online retailers or bricks-and-mortar stores that have an online presence.

Online retailing has changed the face of the Australian Retail Trade division, representing a paradigm shift in the way consumers make transactions. The industry has grown dramatically over the past five years, to become part of the mainstream Retail Trade division. The rise of online shopping has been aided by the rapid growth in internet and broadband penetration, combined with consumer acceptance of electronic commerce as a viable and safe alternative to traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing.

The industry has benefited from consumers seeking variety and value, particularly as discretionary spending and overall consumer sentiment have been relatively weak. Online shopping offers unprecedented choice, as there are no geographical boundaries and prices are highly competitive.

The range of products and services available for purchase from online retailers has grown robustly over the past decade. Driven by strong consumer demand and the entry of new players, the industry offers an expanding range of goods and services that rivals the range offered in traditional bricks-and-mortar stores.

Source of Report – IBIS world (http://www.ibisworld.com.au)