The end of 2024 saw Australia Post hit a new milestone for its busiest peak period, overseeing nearly 103 million parcels delivered between 1 November and 31 December, according to its latest quarterly Inside Australian Online Shopping Report.
Over these two months, 2,800 parcels were delivered to Australian households every minute in November and December. 7.6 million Australian households reportedly made at least one online purchase in November and December, showing a 2.4 per cent increase from last year.
According to Australia Post Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, Australia Post’s busiest day was on 9 December, when it delivered over 3 million parcels.
“The record volume of deliveries reflects Australia Post’s ongoing investment into new and upgraded parcel facilities, technology and fleet as well as a commitment to improving services for online shoppers,” he said.
“While we are proud of what we have achieved, we can always do better, and we’ll reflect on this peak to start planning for the next.”
Across Australia, Health and Wellness proved the most popular shopping category, reportedly growing by 20.5 per cent in the number of online purchases year-on-year (YoY), followed closely by Athleisure and Tools & Garden increasing by 15.8 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively.
Despite online sales increasing around the country, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia saw the strongest year-on-year growth, with purchases from online sales events growing by 12.4 per cent, 11.44 per cent and 8.9 per cent, respectively.
Additionally, the top three suburbs for online shopping in Australia were Mackay and Toowoomba in Queensland, and Point Cook in Victoria.
The total number of parcels delivered between last November and December, up 3.1 per cent from last year, has been attributed to consumers turning to cyber sales following cost-of-living pressures and high inflation, fuelling a spike in online shopping activity.
Starr attributes the spike to Australia Post’s ability to anticipate consumer needs when making deliveries for online purchases.
“Consumers are more empowered than ever to manage their delivery experience,” he said.
“We’ve listened and understand their need for more reliability, simplicity and speed when ordering online, which has ultimately shaped the success of our best peak yet.”
The AusPost app was used by 4.6 million users to track their parcels between November and December, with a record 57 million visits in the latter month alone.
