Australian Retailers Face Reckoning Amid Growing Online Competition

2

According to the latest data from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), a staggering 768 retailers declared insolvency in the 2023–24 financial year. This marks a significant increase from 540 in 2022–23 and 319 in 2021–22.

The economic environment is also adding to the woes. Consumer sentiment continues to hover at recessionary levels, exacerbating the struggles for traditional retailers.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently disclosed a worrying trend in retail sales. Quarterly retail sales have contracted by 0.3%, and are down 0.6% compared to last year. Remarkably, this marks the fifth consecutive quarter with a negative annual growth rate outside of pandemic disruptions, a rarity since the 1980s.

On a per capita basis, retail volumes saw a drop of 0.9%, the eighth consecutive quarterly decline, representing a 3.0% year-on-year decrease. This spells further trouble for conventional retail outlets grappling with diminishing foot traffic.

Competition from online retailers like Amazon and eBay is intensifying the challenges for brick-and-mortar stores. Offering unparalleled convenience and competitive pricing, these e-commerce giants are capturing an increasingly larger slice of the market.

Amazon’s strengthened foothold in Australia since its arrival in December 2017 poses a substantial threat. With the promise of low prices and the allure of complimentary 48-hour deliveries for Amazon Prime members, Amazon has continued to expand its reach. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to further grow its operations and distribution network in Australia.

A recent Roy Morgan study, reported by The New Daily, reveals a compelling trend: Amazon expanded its customer base by 16% in the year ending June 2024, attracting 1.1 million additional users compared to the previous year.

Brian Walker, CEO of Retail Doctor Group, posits that Amazon is on track to become one of Australia's largest variety retailers, alongside the likes of Kmart and Big W. "Amazon could become Australia’s largest general merchandise retailer within the next five years," Walker noted.

Walker underscores the necessity for existing retailers to revamp their competitive strategies. "You're under significant threat if you don’t offer advantages in speed, range, price, or convenience," he added.

Signs of this competitive stress are already visible, with retailers like Booktopia closing their doors in the face of relentless pressure.

Amazon’s Prime program benefits customers with rapid, free delivery for a modest annual subscription fee, encouraging ongoing use of Amazon’s services. Prime members also gain access to Amazon’s entertainment offerings, forming a package that rivals Netflix.

From Amazon's perspective, the Prime subscription provides a steady revenue flow and ensures loyal customer engagement, making further investments in fulfillment centers more economically viable.

While Amazon and Walmart dominate the American retail scene, the forecast suggests Amazon is on a path to significant dominance in Australia as well. The financial landscape is challenging for traditional retailers that must now focus on value and convenience to retain customer loyalty.

Published:Sunday, 4th Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers 04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more

Australian Online Retail Sees Continued Growth in May Amidst Nationwide Spending Surge 03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori Australian online retail sales experienced a modest rise in May, as consumers continued to invest in fashion, games, and toys. According to the latest figures from the National Australia Bank, there was a 0.7% increase in online sales for the month, compared to a 1.1% growth in April. Over the past year, Australians have spent approximately $63 billion on online retail purchases. - read more

Pay Boosts and Policy Changes: A Closer Look at Financial Updates for Australian Workers 03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The starting days of the new financial year bring significant changes for Australian workers, particularly those on minimum wage. As of Tuesday, the minimum wage will rise by 3.5 per cent, increasing hourly earnings to $24.95, or $948 weekly. This adjustment also affects award wages and comes as a response to rising living costs, outpacing current inflation rates. - read more

US Dollar Faces Historic Decline Amid Trump’s Tariff Policies 03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The US dollar has experienced an unprecedented decline, marking its worst first-half performance since 1973. Concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's tariff policies have intensified, leading to a substantial drop in the value of the world's primary reserve currency. Specifically, the dollar weakened by 10.7% against a basket of major trading partners' currencies in the first six months of the year, reminiscent of Nixon's era when the dollar was untethered from gold. - read more

Auditor Deregistered After Brite Advisers Collapse 30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has deregistered auditor David Makowa, previously of DM Advisory Services, due to his role in the downfall of financial advice firm Brite Advisers. This decision follows Makowa's acceptance of a court-enforceable undertaking in which he agreed to surrender his auditor registration permanently, pledging never to re-apply. - read more

US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori The escalating likelihood of the United States engaging militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict has raised alarm among investors, potentially leading to significant market volatility. This concern was highlighted by the global financial advisory firm, deVere Group, as tensions heighten in the Middle East. - read more

Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori The recent US military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has raised expectations of a significant oil price spike as global markets prepare to resume trading. Announced by former President Donald Trump, the attack marks an increased US involvement in the Middle East, which analysts believe could lead to heightened volatility across financial markets. - read more