Aussies spend billions during ‘Cyber Weekend’ sales bonanza

Shoppers are expected to have splashed almost $3 billion as the ‘Cyber Weekend’ sales bonanza nears its end. But there’s still time to grab a bargain. SEE WHERE THE BEST DEALS ARE

It was called Black Friday.

But retailers saw nothing but green as shoppers embraced the uber-popular pre-Christmas flash sale with much-needed vigour.

Discounts of up to 70 per cent — some offered a full week before the deal officially launched — saw shoppers splash cash on clothing, footwear, manchester, small appliances, makeup and jewellery, in a boost to the struggling industry.

And the trade upswing will continue tomorrow with Cyber Monday — the culmination of the four-day sales bonanza, which originated in the US and has become one of Australia’s busiest retail periods of the year.

Official figures are not yet out, but NAB predicted shoppers spent $860 million on Black Friday alone – but that number blows out to $2.9 billion when it includes the weekend and tomorrow’s Cyber Monday sales.

Discounts of up to 70 per cent lured customers into bricks and mortar, and online stores. Picture by Damian Shaw

Australian Retailers Association President Russell Zimmerman said a lot of retailers have begun treating this as “Cyber Weekend”.

“This started as an online event, but it has turned into moref than just an online event. This includes bricks and mortar stores. ” he said.

Mr Zimmerman said people had become much more aware of these sales.

“Three of four years ago, Black Friday and Cyber Monday were barely heard of. But now people are talking about it,” he said.

“I went on a plane from Melbourne to Canberra. The plane was delayed and the girl next to me – who didn’t know who I was – said ‘I got some extra shopping done’. She said there were Black Friday sales at the airport.”.

Mr Zimmerman said Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now a part of the retail calendar.

“Consumers are now aware of it,” he said.

“So consumers are picking up on the opportunity for a bargain.”

Myer’s executive general manager for stores Tony Sutton said Black Friday was incredibly with customers both in-store and online.

“Our customers loved the offers and promotions with Black Friday becoming the perfect time to come into store or shop online to buy your Christmas gifts,” he said.

Many of the Black Friday deals started well before Friday – some as early as over a week ago. Picture: Damian Shaw

With just over three weeks to go until Christmas, shoppers still have time to snap up massive discounts across items in nearly every category.

Many retailers have rolled out 20 per cent off storewide while others have cut much more of the retail price.

This includes discounts off clothing, footwear, manchester, small appliances, makeup and jewellery.

And many of the Black Friday deals started well before Friday – some as early as over a week ago.

Black Friday sales have gained huge traction in Australia this year and have continued to become bigger and bigger each year.

Originating in the US, Australians retailers have also jumped on-board to maximise the busiest retail period of the year.

Retailers have had a sluggish year of sales – in the 12 months to September sales climbed by just 2.81 per cent compared to 3.8 per cent in the previous 12 months.

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Many shops will finish their sales tomorrow on Cyber Monday and shoppers will have less opportunity to snap up stellar deals in the remaining weeks before Christmas.

The discounts off goods and services have been offered both instore and online by most retailers this year. Retailers will be hoping in the remaining two days of sales many shoppers will go instore and spend up.

This often results in customers spending more as opposed to shopping online where they are not as easily tempted. 

Originally published as Aussies spend billions during ‘Cyber Weekend’ sales bonanza