Inside the report

A granular view of retail spending

The shopping behaviours that reveal opportunities and growth pathways for businesses.

Data we use

Powered by CommBank iQ, we analyse spend among 7+ million Australians, scaled to represent the population.

Insights we unearth

How, where and why Australian consumers shop to identify trends that inform retailers’ operational strategies.

Sectors we explore

Spending on general retail, apparel, personal care, homeware and hardware, electronics, and other recreational goods.

Why it matters

Shifts in spending across categories reveal where demand is trending, shaping retailer priorities.

Basket to Bottom Line

Key insights at a glance

The sustained yet selective retail rebound

+9.9%

Spend migrates from home to self

Spend on pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and toiletries up +9.9% and furniture and homewares up only +1.9%

+7.5%

Barbell-shaped growth by age

Spend among 18-24 year olds up +7.5% and 45-54 year olds up only +3.2%

+12.7%

Clicks far outstrip bricks

In-store retail spending up +2.9% and online retail spending up +12.7%

+6.2%

Multi-speed growth across states

Spending in Western Australia up +6.2% and spending in New South Wales up +4.3%

Retail takeaways

Insights from Australian shoppers improve decisions and outcomes

Translating consumer spending behaviours into actionable insights.

  • Where customers shop to identify growth channels, locations and shopping preferences
  • What categories customers shop in to understand ranging and perceptions of value
  • How often customers shop to track frequency, loyalty and repeat purchase behaviour

“For retailers, understanding where growth is emerging and the drivers behind it is crucial.

After all, detecting early shifts in spending may support decisions across ranging, pricing, inventory management and marketing, ultimately determining the effectiveness of their response.”

Makenna Ralston
Chief Executive Officer, CommBank iQ

Basket to Bottom Line

How we can help

CommBank iQ

Access data and analytics on customer spending behaviour and venue performance. Understand your customers, monitor trends and uncover opportunities to support business decisions.

Learn more

CommBank retail industry banking

Work with retail sector banking specialists to help you grow, adapt and deliver seamless customer experiences. From payment solutions to everyday banking and tailored funding, access the tools and expertise to support your operations and future growth.

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Things you should know

  • This document is provided by CommBank iQ, a joint venture between Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 (Commonwealth Bank) and The Quantium Group Pty Limited ABN 45 102 444 259 and is based on information available at the time of publishing. 
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