Report Reveals Australian Baby Boomers Splurge Online

A new report has revealed that Australian baby boomers spent big online, with the average purchase reaching 109 dollars.

According to the 2024 Inside Australian Online Shopping Report, 9.5 million Australian households engaged in online shopping, expending $63.6 billion in 2023. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

The report indicates a shift towards more frequent, smaller purchases, underscoring changing consumer behaviours.

Generational disparities in spending patterns were evident, with Millennials (Gen Y) leading online expenditure at $22.1 billion.

Gen X followed closely with $17.47 billion, while Gen Z exhibited more budget-conscious tendencies.

Surprisingly, Baby boomers increased their spending online by seven per cent in 2023.

Gary Starr, Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post, and eCommerce services, said Australians are shopping more often online this year, with one in seven households shopping weekly.

Home and garden items claimed the largest portion of online spending at $16 billion, while variety stores and food and liquor experienced significant growth. 

Regionally, West Australia saw the highest growth in online purchases, with Victoria and New South Wales showing a decline in shopping habits.

“While basket sizes were smaller this year, the increasing trend in repeat shopping highlights the reliance on eCommerce in everyday life,” Mr Starr said.

“The success of sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday ultimately contributed to Australia Post achieving its biggest e-commerce peak period ever.”

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.