Online customers still prefer to buy in Australia

While many Australian retailers fear they're missing out to their overseas counterparts the numbers show that Australians still prefer to purchase from local sellers.

The evidence supports that consumers are turning to online mediums to track and trace lower prices, however, they're more often comparing domestic retailers and purchasing locally. This is strongest in home electronics and entertainment products where shoppers will still want to deal with experienced sales people and have the ability to easily return faulty goods for a refund, exchange or warranty issue.

Remember, your brand is one of the most important tools you can use to promote your business and attract more buyers. By building your brand using multiple channels online and mobile you can help drive more
potential buyers direct to your door.

NAB Online Retail Sales Index latest findings:

• 95% of retail sales are still made in bricks-and mortar-stores
• Online sales accounted for only 4.9% of retail spending last year
• Almost ¾ of online sales in 2011 were made with domestic retailers, the remaining with overseas-based retailers
• People aged in their 30s and 40s made the most purchases online, though under-30s have shown the strongest growth in the past two years