While Amazon has officially confirmed its launch in Australia, new research from finder.com.au shows Aussies are divided on the retail giant’s arrival.
Half of the population (47%) is excited about the retailer coming to Australia, hanging out for cheaper deals, a bigger range of products and fast delivery.
But it turns out most (53%) aren’t so keen, preferring to shop at brick and mortar stores, or worried about its impact on local business.
Finder.com.au money expert Bessie Hassan said while Amazon appeals to many shoppers, some could take convincing.
“While it is certainly grabbing a lot of headlines in Australia, Amazon needs to prove what all the fuss is about before most consumers will change their buying habits,” she said.
“Over the years, Aussies have become savvy at sourcing better-priced goods elsewhere, whether it’s shopping online via overseas retailers, or taking advantage of price match guarantees.”
Looking at those who aren’t excited about its arrival, 14% say they can already buy everything they want online while 12% prefer to go shopping in-store.
Only 9% are worried about Amazon destroying local businesses.
“There’s no doubt Amazon poses a threat to local retailers, but ultimately the big winners will be consumers,” Hassan said.
Amazon who? A further 9% of Australians don’t even know what it is, with 14% of Gen Y scratching their heads over it compared to just 6% of Baby Boomers.
“The retail sector is highly competitive in Australia, with stores discounting hard to attract shoppers. But only time will tell if the Amazon offering is attractive enough.”
Gen Y is the most excited about Amazon’s expansion into Australia, with 68% anxiously awaiting its arrival down under, compared to 47% of Gen X and just 26% of Baby Boomers.
Western Australians (28%) are most excited about the huge range of products Amazon has to offer, with Queenslanders next in line at 22%.
Interestingly, adults living with their parents are far more likely (33%) to be excited about potentially cheaper Amazon prices than homeowners (14%) - this is most likely due to a difference in disposable income.