Australian Retailers Face Reckoning Amid Growing Online Competition

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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

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