Many local retailers are not prepared for a busy winter season of selling. In fact many small to medium size businesses in Australia who have not embraced a digital presence risk falling behind as more Australians search online for the best buys.

Statistics released by Australia Post has just released a statement saying that despite life returning to normal in Australia online shopping rates remain steady with a similar number of households buying online regularly now as there were at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown last year.

According to Australia Post, after experiencing phenomenal growth in 2020, Australian eCommerce continues to prove popular with one in two households shopping online each month this year – with more than 1.1 million more savvy shoppers buying online each month compared to just two years ago.

Australia Post General Manager Parcel and Express Services Ben Franzi said given how comfortable shoppers are now buying online, they are increasingly looking out for key online sale events to make big savings on their purchases.

“Year after year, online shopping events such as Click Frenzy continue to gain popularity and we know that many shoppers are waiting to grab winter bargains for the home and family from tonight.

“Click Frenzy has now become one of the biggest events on the eCommerce calendar, and shoppers will have been holding out to take advantage of the great deals on offer over the next few days.

“This year’s edition features more online stores than ever before, and with many retailers kicking off their sales early, there is no doubt it will be a big week for Australian eCommerce,” Mr Franzi continued.

Head of Digital at Rebel Connect, Kylie Freeman agrees.

“We’re seeing an influx of clients wanting to compete in the digital space.”

“Many of our clients realise that people are searching for their products and services online and if they are not in that digital space, they cannot effectively compete with larger, national or international companies.”

“Even in regional towns and cities, people are now familiar with online shopping and find that despite pricing being similar in their local area, the choice online is greater. Local businesses who do not have a web presence or average or no search engine optimisation strategies are falling behind.”

Rebel Agency is owned by Rebel Connect, an Australian owned, family company that has been working in regional areas, supporting regional businesses for the past 25 years.

Ms Freeman says that the release of new Business Basic Grants suggests that the Queensland Government is going all out to support small businesses and help them become active online and help them compete effectively by allowing them the funding they need to get a website, reconstruct a new website and start SEO.

The latest research from MYOB shows that SMEs with advanced levels of digital engagement are 50% more likely to grow revenue and earn 60% more revenue per person

If you’d like to know more about the government’s Business Basics Grant, you can visit their website or get one on one assistance from your personal account manager at Rebel Agency, Rebel FM or the Breeze now.



Cheryl Jowitt is co-founder of Rebel Connect PL, a family owned and operated Australian business that provides total marketing solutions. Rebel Connect clients have access to advertising across the company’s radio networks, Rebel FM & the Breeze and Rebel Agency, a digital marketing solutions company providing website development, SEM and social media marketing strategies.