Australians are Turning to Starting Ecommerce Stores as Cost of Living Rises

A new study by Digital Darts reveals a staggering increase of ecommerce sites operating across the country, as Australian entrepreneurs navigate economic uncertainty and rising living costs. Australians spent $24.12B AUD shopping online pre-COVID in 2019, $48.53B in 2023, and are expected to spend $53.79B in 2024.

Our research shows there were 52,190 ecommerce sites in Australia in 2019. This number has grown to 93,860, representing a significant 12.5% annualized growth rate from 2019 to 2024.

“This trend is reflected in the continued surge of people taking my online ecommerce course to learn the skills they need to launch their own successful online store.” – Josh Uebergang, Founder & Ecommerce Growth Expert at Digital Darts.

This rapid growth highlights the booming online retail sector and the increasing adoption of ecommerce by Australian businesses, as well as Australians living the entrepreneurial dream of running their own businesses.

Data per Ibisworld, Statisca and Storeleads.

Percentage of Ecommerce Stores by State/Territory

• New South Wales 33.18%

• Victoria 28.84%

• Queensland 20.82%

• Western Australia 8.61%

• South Australia 5.50%

• Tasmania 1.35%

• Australian Capital Territory 1.28%

• Northern Territory 0.43%

Top 5 Cities by State

New South Wales

• Sydney: 80.29%

• Byron Bay: 3.62%

• Newcastle: 2.97%

• Wollongong: 2.70%

• Tweed Heads: 2.58%

Victoria

• Melbourne: 83.72%

• Geelong: 3.43%

• Ballarat: 2.69%

• Bendigo: 2.67%

• Mornington: 1.12%

Queensland

• Brisbane: 48.78%

• Gold Coast: 19.68%

• Sunshine Coast: 9.27%

• Townsville: 4.93%

• Cairns: 3.89%

Western Australia

• Perth: 78.98%

• Mandurah: 4.98%

• Margaret River: 3.26%

• Bunbury: 2.16%

• Rockingham: 1.67%

South Australia

• Adelaide: 83.28%

• Mount Barker: 3.27%

• Mount Gambier: 2.15%

• Port Lincoln: 1.88%

• Tanunda: 0.85%

Tasmania

• Hobart 61.38%

• Launceston: 22.99%

• Devonport: 5.68%

• Burnie: 3.68%

• Kingston: 2.58%

Australian Capital Territory

• Canberra: 82.96%

• Fyshwick: 6.14%

• Gungahlin: 2.84%

• Belconnen: 2.34%

• Mitchell: 2.29%

Northern Territory

• Darwin: 84.11%

• Alice Springs: 6.81%

• Palmerston City: 3.80%

• Katherine: 2.13%

• Nhulunbuy: 0.76%

Expert Insights

Julian Righetti, owner of MOD Appliances says, “By selling online we have been able to reach many more customers than we would if selling in a retail store, and we can sell 24 hours a day 7 days a week”.

“Ecommerce has helped us lower our overheads which means we’ve been able to offer our customers our products at lower prices.” – Julian Righetti, owner of MOD Appliances

With grocery bills skyrocketing, Australians are getting savvier about shopping online. Ecommerce allows them to compare prices more easily and find better deals on everyday essentials. It’s no surprise we’re seeing a surge in new online stores catering to this demand.” – Josh Uebergang, Founder & Ecommerce Growth Expert at Digital Darts.

“The beauty of ecommerce is it levels the playing field. Australians with a great product or service no longer need a massive brick-and-mortar store to compete. They can start small online, control their overheads, and reach a national audience. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to build a business in these challenging economic times.” – Josh Uebergang, Founder & Ecommerce Growth Expert at Digital Darts.

We’re happy to share additional insights or connect you with further industry experts to discuss the implications of this ecommerce boom.

About Digital Darts

Digital Darts is a Shopify marketing agency that scientifically increases the profits of Shopify stores Worldwide since 2015.

We are a Shopify Partner, Shopify Expert Marketer, Google Premier Partner (top 3% of partners in Australia) specialised in search and shopping advertising, Convert Certified Agency, and Meta Business Partner.

The Toowoomba-based company has helped hundreds of ecommerce brands in over 50 countries get more sales and profit.