--- description: GetApp highlights new Christmas shopping trends that demonstrate how COVID-19 is impacting seasonal shopping habits in Australia. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png title: Christmas Shopping Trends: COVID-19 Drives Seasonal Shopping Online --- # Christmas Shopping Trends: COVID-19 Drives Seasonal Shopping Online Canonical: https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1800/christmas-shopping-trends-covid-drives-seasonal-shopping-online Published on 10/11/2020 | Written by Anna Hammond. ![Christmas Shopping Trends: COVID-19 Drives Seasonal Shopping Online](https://images.ctfassets.net/63bmaubptoky/XeBqpRbHAaSC-Y0eY-QnVSd74cBaF7maf-lGI6i27Rs/35028813dcfa7d46b1247e4e945b4d5f/GA-Agency-Ecommerce-1_UK-2.png) > COVID-19 is forcing a major and imminent transformation in the retail sector. While Australia took an aggressive approach towards fighting the virus early on, ongoing clusters in Melbourne and Sydney have kept much of the country closed down from each other. ----- ## Article Content COVID-19 is forcing a major and imminent transformation in the retail sector. While Australia took an aggressive approach towards fighting the virus early on, ongoing clusters in Melbourne and Sydney have kept much of the country closed down from each other.For those states that are open, ongoing social distancing restrictions will be in effect for the foreseeable future. This strategy has led to many Aussie shoppers turning to eCommerce merchants. In this article, GetApp highlights new Christmas shopping trends bought about by these changes.GetApp surveyed 1,000 consumers from Australia to identify changes in their shopping behaviour. The full survey methodology is available at the bottom of this article.Aussie shoppers have changed their spending habits to explore more online optionsAs a result of the pandemic, and the restrictions that came with it, the way people are shopping in Australia has shifted. More than half (54%) are spending more or less than they were before COVID-19.Consumer shopping platform preferences are also changing:However, coronavirus isn’t the only contributing factor to changing consumer shopping behaviour. For example, the Australian bushfires have had an impact because they reduced disposable income for the vast population affected. The lack of international tourists, due to border closures, is also causing a sharp decline in foot traffic for the already struggling Australian high street.eCommerce is emerging as the popular choice for shoppers this ChristmasThe lead-up to Christmas is a critical moment for many brick-and-mortar retail businesses. However, this year, 40% of shoppers say they’ll explore online stores to do their seasonal shopping.Opinions are split around the transition toward online shopping. While 33% see it as a good thing due to convenience, 34% see shopping in-store as a big part of getting into the Christmas spirit. About one third are indifferent.Similarly, while Aussies have been in lockdown, there has been an increase in how many hours people are spending shopping on the internet.Considering these results, it’s unsurprising that more people are therefore relying on delivery services. 57% of consumers in the survey say they’re now using online delivery services once or twice a week since COVID-19.The preferred eCommerce brands in AustraliaRespondents were asked where they typically shop online, and while 31% of them selected established online marketplaces (such as eBay and Etsy) as their go-to for online shopping, 23% opted to shop directly from a retailer or brand websites. 18% said they shop from Amazon.40% of Australian respondents said they have purchased from one or two new online stores. However, 38% also said they have not discovered and purchased from new online stores—sticking to shops they know.Ways to improve brand visibility for Aussie businessesSearch engine optimisation (SEO) ranks as the most impactful way for businesses to get their name and goods in front of consumers, with 44% of respondents claiming they found new websites via a search engine. Social media platforms are the second most impactful channel, with 28% of responses. Website ads (23%) came in third place and word of mouth (19%) was listed as the fourth.There is an opportunity for eCommerce vendors to grow their business in the current economic environment. However, with relatively few established brands dominating the space, it is vital they understand the trends driving consumer behaviour and adopt a strategy that reflects this.Looking for eCommerce software? Check out our catalogue.Christmas Shopping Trends: GetApp Australia eCommerce Survey methodology\*This survey ran in October 2020 from an online survey of 1,000 respondents from Australia. The criteria for participants were consumers who have made an online purchase in the last 6 – 12 months. ## About the author ### Anna Hammond Anna was a content analyst for GetApp. ## Related Categories - [eCommerce Software](https://www.getapp.com.au/directory/744/ecommerce/software) - [Multi-Channel eCommerce Software](https://www.getapp.com.au/directory/1065/multi-channel-ecommerce/software) - [Order Management Software](https://www.getapp.com.au/directory/594/order-management/software) - [Shopping Cart Software](https://www.getapp.com.au/directory/97/shopping-cart/software) - [Website Builder Software](https://www.getapp.com.au/directory/595/website-builder/software) ## Related Articles - [A Guide To Launching A Click And Collect Model: Tips, Tricks & Tools](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1817/guide-launching-click-and-collect-model-tips-tricks-tools) - [5 Top appointment scheduling software in Australia](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/2844/top-appointment-scheduling-software) - [VR And AR in retail: How to amplify the customer shopping experience](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1738/vr-and-ar-in-retail-amplify-customer-shopping-experience) - [How COVID-19 Is Driving Virtual Reality Shopping In Australia](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1747/virtual-reality-shopping-in-australia) - [Consumer habits regarding online second-hand stores](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/3127/second-hand-online-store-consumers) ## Links - [View on GetApp](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog/1800/christmas-shopping-trends-covid-drives-seasonal-shopping-online) - [Blog](https://www.getapp.com.au/blog) - [Home](https://www.getapp.com.au/) ----- ## Structured Data