Online sales growth slows markedly in November with most categories following suit

• Online retail experienced a considerable slowdown in November, with sales contracting (-0.2%) compared to October, and sales now only 3.9% higher compared to a year ago.
• In dollar terms, we estimate Australians spent $16.3 billion on online retail in the 12 months to November 2014. This level is equivalent to 6.8% of spending at traditional bricks & mortar retailers as measured by the ABS (excluding cafés, restaurants and takeaway food, to create a like-for-like comparison) in the 12 months to October 2014.
• Despite the general slowdown, at category level in year on year terms, Electronic Games and Toys (39.4%) maintained its recent momentum, although this segment accounts for about 3% of spend. Other key growth areas included Media (8.7%), Groceries and Liquor (7.4%), Fashion (6.2%), and Department and Variety stores (4%). One of the largest spend segments, Homewares and Appliances, contracted (-3.1%).

For further details, please see the attached report.

•  Online Retail Sales Index monthly update – November 2014 (PDF, 57KB)