E-Commerce in Australia: Trends to Watch This Year

Australian e-commerce has grown rapidly, but the landscape is shifting. Here are the trends that matter most if you're selling (or planning to sell) online this year.

Mobile-First Isn't Optional Anymore

Over 70% of Australian online purchases now happen on a mobile device. If your store isn't built mobile-first — fast loading, easy to navigate with a thumb, smooth checkout on a small screen — you're fighting an uphill battle.

This goes beyond responsive design. It means designing for mobile first, then scaling up to desktop. Not the other way around.

Buy Now, Pay Later Is Table Stakes

Afterpay, Zip, and similar services aren't a novelty anymore — they're expected. Australian shoppers, particularly younger demographics, actively choose stores that offer flexible payment options. If you're not offering at least one BNPL option at checkout, you're losing sales to competitors who do.

AI-Powered Personalisation

The days of showing every customer the same homepage are numbered. AI-driven product recommendations can increase average order value by 10-30%. And the technology is becoming accessible to businesses of all sizes, not just Amazon.

Even simple personalisation like showing recently viewed items, location-based offers, or tailored email follow-ups can have a significant impact.

Sustainability Sells

Australian consumers increasingly care about where products come from and how they're shipped. Businesses that are transparent about their environmental impact — and make genuine efforts to reduce it — are winning customer loyalty.

This doesn't mean you need to be a zero-waste brand. Simple things like carbon-neutral shipping options, recyclable packaging, and honest product descriptions go a long way.

Social Commerce Is Growing

Shopping directly through Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook is gaining traction in Australia. While it hasn't reached the levels seen in Asia or the US, the infrastructure is there and adoption is rising.

What This Means for Your Business

You don't need to chase every trend. The key is understanding which ones align with your customers and your business model. Start with the basics: a fast, mobile-friendly store with clear product information and a frictionless checkout. Then layer on personalisation and new channels as you grow.