Yahoo Finance Aussies’ concerning online shopping habits
Aussies love online shopping and apparently we can’t kick the habit, even when it comes to bedtime, but it could be costing you more than you bargained for.
Data from PayPal found a third of Australians (34 per cent) chose to shop from their bed at the end of the day.
Paypal shopping expert Danielle Grant warned Aussies that shopping while tired or distracted could make you an unsuspecting target.
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“Shopping online is easy and convenient, and our mobiles have empowered us to buy what we want, when we want. But it’s important to stay alert and ensure we’re shopping safely and mindfully,” Grant said.
“The volume and urgency of Boxing Day offers can make it easy to let your guard down, making you more susceptible to fraud and scams. It’s important to ensure you remain vigilant – if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
What are we buying?
Despite the squeeze on spare cash, Aussies are splurging on themselves, according to research from Finder.
Aussie shoppers forked out $2.5 billion on clothing, shoes and accessories in the lead-up to Christmas, according to a nationally representative survey of 1,054 respondents.
The research found the average Aussie spent $126 on fashion during October alone. Women spent more than twice as much as men – with women forking out $171 on average, compared to $78 for men.
Finder shopping expert Chris Jager said the demand for fashion was defying expectations for a pull-back in non-essential spending.
“The cost of living is skyrocketing but Australians aren’t letting all their luxuries go,” Jager said.
“Mortgages, groceries and petrol are all costing more but Aussies still want to dress to impress this Christmas. Some shoppers may need a new wardrobe – with lifestyle changes made during the pandemic leading to changes in weight.”
Jager said purchases of outfits for weddings and other events slowed right down during the pandemic – so some could be making up for lost time.
“A shift to work from home could have led to a demand for more casual clothing. At the same time, plenty of Aussies look forward to the festive season as a time to buy new clothes,” he said.
Younger shoppers have been found to spend the most on fashion – splashing out a whopping $222. That’s well ahead of older shoppers – with the average Baby Boomer spending $37.
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