NATIONAL: The majority of Australian consumers prefer retailers that provide an online shopping option, a new survey has found. The survey, conducted by online comparison shopping website GetPrice.com.au through the News Digital Media network, also found 81 per cent of Australians were now more confident shopping online than in the past.
GetPrice.com.au managing director Chris Hitchen said consumers wanted to research online before entering a retail store, including pricing and product information.
"The message to Australian retailers is clear. They need to invest more in their online offerings."
Cost and time savings were the top two reasons Australians preferred to shop online, with two in five expecting to find the best low-budget items online. This option was chosen above factory outlets, discount department stores and premium department stores.
However, in good news for bricks-and-mortar retailers, the survey also found that clothing and accessories were more likely to be purchased in store than via online sites.