The thrill of a bargain can be hard to resist—a quick scroll, a few clicks, and a parcel on the doorstep days later. But behind the convenience and low prices lies a concern that’s growing louder across Australia.
One industry leader says Australia’s obsession with global online marketplaces might be costing more than Aussies realise.
Australia Post CEO Paul Graham has urged Australians to get off the ‘drug’ of cheap shopping from platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon.
Comparing the nation’s buying habits to an addiction, he warned that these global e-commerce giants are reshaping Australian retail and threatening local jobs.
‘Support local retailers. Support small to medium businesses who’ve got niche products, who’ve done a great job in building a brand,’ Graham told The Daily Telegraph.
The online shopping boom
Australians have embraced online shopping like never before, with rising prices and tighter budgets driving more people to seek cheaper options.
At first glance, it seems like a win—fast delivery, endless variety, and deals too good to ignore. But as Graham put it, the public has become ‘hooked into this drug of finding the cheapest product available’, and the effects could be devastating for local retailers.
At present, these global platforms account for about 25 per cent of all online sales in Australia.
Australia Post estimates that figure could reach 50 per cent by the end of the decade—a change that would have a huge impact on Australian brands and family-run businesses.
The toll on Aussie retailers
The competition has already claimed several well-known names. Retailers like Millers, Rivers, Noni B, Katies, Autograph, Crossroads, Rockmans and Wittner have either reduced their presence or shut their doors altogether.
One small-business owner, Ezra Mercury of Janinas Costumes in Brisbane, said Halloween—usually his busiest time of year—has seen a major downturn. ‘It’s just absolutely saddening,’ he said.
'It’s absolutely destroying small bricks-and-mortar businesses and family businesses all across Australia.'
A boom few saw coming
Shein and Temu, relative newcomers to the market, have grown at an astonishing rate. Both offer ultra-low prices on fast fashion and homewares—arriving just as Aussies were hit with high inflation and rising interest rates.
Amazon, which has operated longer, has also become a household staple, competing with major local retailers on price and delivery speed.
Roy Morgan’s latest figures show that 8.8 million Australians bought from Amazon in the past year—around 900,000 more than the previous year.
Temu attracted 3.8 million buyers, while Shein saw 2 million. Both platforms also gained roughly 600,000 to 900,000 new users each within a year.
Temu generated an estimated $2.6 billion in sales over the 12 months to June, up from $1.6 billion a year earlier.
Shein brought in about $1.3 billion—an increase of $300 million on last year’s results.
'The growth in shopper numbers at this scale and speed is unprecedented and it’s redefining the market before our eyes.'
Roy Morgan’s Laura Demasi added that the shift is reshaping how Australians spend. ‘These numbers confirm that the “trading down” phenomenon is real,’ she said.
‘Every month, more and more Australians—both young and old—are redirecting billions of dollars away from Australian retailers to stretch their dollars further.’
A call for fair competition
The federal government is under pressure to ensure a level playing field. Many small and medium retailers are calling for global e-commerce companies to face the same tax and regulatory obligations as local businesses.
Graham said he wants to see ‘a sustainable retail landscape and community’—but fears that will be difficult if international players continue to undercut local prices.
Source: YouTube / 9 News Australia
What’s next for Aussie shoppers
For everyday Australians, the temptation to save money is understandable. But experts warn that every purchase has consequences, shaping the kind of retail future the country will have.
As more shoppers click ‘buy now’ on overseas platforms, local businesses face a battle to survive.
And while convenience wins in the short term, Graham and others believe the long-term cost could be far greater.
Read next: FAST AND CHEAP: Will this retail addiction in Australia bite back hard soon?
Do you find yourself turning to Temu, Shein or Amazon more often these days? Have you noticed your local shops struggling to keep up? What would help you choose local over global? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experience matters.
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
Five-star flavours, zero recognition: What’s keeping Australia off this elusive culinary list?
- Started by Danielle F.
- Replies: 0
-
Thinking about downsizing? Here’s when it could be your best move
- Started by Michelle Engbino
- Replies: 0
-
Grandparenting tells us much about our history. It’s important to preserve these stories
- Started by The Conversation
- Replies: 1
-
‘Get off the drug’: Australia Post CEO warns shoppers about Temu, Shein and Amazon addiction
- Started by Veronica E.
- Replies: 1
-
Sweet tooths face bitter news regarding fan-favourite bar sold across Oz
- Started by Danielle F.
- Replies: 0
.png){kind=icon}
