Interviews
ARA urges retailers to get online this Christmas
05 Dec '11
2 min read
Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association said it was urging retailers to make sure their online presence is up to date in preparation for the Christmas shopping rush after a recent survey* reported the Internet would assist 87 percent of shoppers with their gift purchases in some way.
ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said with over 50 percent of shoppers going online in order to research and compare products or prices this festive season, and only 13 percent not planning to use the Internet at all for Christmas shopping, it would be a wasted opportunity for retailers to ignore the online space.
“Almost 30 percent said they would use the Internet to actually purchase Christmas gifts but most shoppers would log on to look at a store's product range, prices or just to find the store's location.
“Australians have almost unlimited access to Internet, and most are walking around with a smartphone in their pockets. Thirty percent of consumers said they will use the Internet to assist them in avoiding crowded stores and saving time, so they're definitely taking full advantage of having that technology at their fingertips.
“One of the main frustrations of Christmas shopping is traipsing around a crowded shopping precinct only to find the store, product or service you were looking for is not there.
“It's important for retailers to ensure their location, contact details and Christmas product range are up to date and easy to find via computer or smart phone,” Zimmerman said.
For over 100 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $240 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and with a range of member services including policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia.
ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said with over 50 percent of shoppers going online in order to research and compare products or prices this festive season, and only 13 percent not planning to use the Internet at all for Christmas shopping, it would be a wasted opportunity for retailers to ignore the online space.
“Almost 30 percent said they would use the Internet to actually purchase Christmas gifts but most shoppers would log on to look at a store's product range, prices or just to find the store's location.
“Australians have almost unlimited access to Internet, and most are walking around with a smartphone in their pockets. Thirty percent of consumers said they will use the Internet to assist them in avoiding crowded stores and saving time, so they're definitely taking full advantage of having that technology at their fingertips.
“One of the main frustrations of Christmas shopping is traipsing around a crowded shopping precinct only to find the store, product or service you were looking for is not there.
“It's important for retailers to ensure their location, contact details and Christmas product range are up to date and easy to find via computer or smart phone,” Zimmerman said.
For over 100 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $240 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and with a range of member services including policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia.
Australian Retailers Association
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