Parcel data released by Australia Post has revealed Australians took full advantage of the recent cyber weekend sales from November 29 to December 2, with online purchases up 7.8 per cent when compared to last year’s.
The record eCommerce period saw a specialty food and liquor purchases experience a leading 23.6 per cent year-on-year growth marker, while health and beauty followed with a 6.1 per cent YoY growth.
Queensland saw the strongest YoY online purchase growth for the period with 12.1 per cent, following by the Northern Territory and Tasmania at 9.7 per cent.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce services Gary Starr says the company bolstered its logistics workforce in preparation for the expected online retail boom.
“Cyber sales have provided Australians with a great opportunity to drive their dollar further which is why the sales events have been history making,” Starr says.
“Customers can be assured we’ve added more capacity across our workforce, including recruiting thousands of new team members, weekend deliveries and more freighter capacity to manage the increased volume.”
Australia Post also saw a dramatic increase in the number of people using its app when compared to the cyber period last year. The 1.7 million customers who used the app marks a 22 per cent increase when compared to the same time last year, with the parcel tracking feature the most popular.
6.8 million app pages were viewed overall.
Starr says while the cyber period often allows customers to find bargains while shopping for Christmas presents, he has urged people to get their gifts in the post as early as possible to ensure delivery.
“While many have made their purchases ahead of time, there are those who love a last-minute dash,” he says.
“We want to reassure customers we are more prepared than ever to ensure every parcel sent by our last sending dates will be delivered by Christmas day.
“It is, however, important that customers understand if they miss our Parcel Post and Express Post cut-off dates there is a possibility their parcel will arrive after Christmas day.”
It has been advised that parcels be sent by Friday December 20th for most destinations in Australia, or via Express Post by Monday December 23rd.
If sending to or from Western Australia and the Northern Territory and outside metro areas, it has been advised people allow for additional time.
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