Retail sector, Australian use of internet grow

eWAY eCommerce articles Retail sector, Australian use of internet grow

Retailers who don't have a digital presence may soon have to re-examine their business strategy, after a confluence of factors have indicated both internet use among Australians and the retail sector are growing.

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, as of 30 June 2012, the Australian population downloaded 52 percent more data than they did last year. Some 11 million people are now online daily, with Aussies spending on average 82 hours a month on the internet. Forty-nine percent also owned a mobile phone, double the percentage in 2011.

"Mobile and internet services are driving growth in the digital economy," said Chris Chapman, ACMA chairman. "Australians are increasingly connected, adopting whichever devices best meet their needs."

Retail is one of those needs Australians have turned to the internet to satisfy. And a growth in the retail sector has come along at the best time for etailers as the Christmas season revs up and internet use is booming.

According to the Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (PSI), the retail sector improved 13.6 points to 55.2, an important milestone, as a score below 50 indicates contraction and one above 50 suggests expansion.

The time is ripe for businesses to enter the online arena, and there may be no better way for Australian retailers to equip themselves for the digital transition that using an online payment gateway to streamline the transaction process.

http://news.eway.com.au/post.aspx?id=7c03357d-021e-4d54-858f-ec4e29b67886

Sent with Reeder

Sent from my iPhone