Local Ecommerce Trends in Perth: What Every Business Owner Should Know

Ecommerce is no longer just a supplementary revenue stream for businesses; it’s becoming the backbone of modern commerce. In Perth, the ecommerce landscape has been evolving rapidly, driven by tech-savvy customers, an increasing demand for convenience, and a growing focus on local shopping. If you’re a business owner in Perth, keeping an eye on these trends is critical to staying competitive in today’s digital-first world.

This article dives into the top local ecommerce trends in Perth and what they mean for your business. Whether you’re new to ecommerce or already have an online store, understanding these trends can help you boost your sales and stay ahead of the curve.

1. The Rise of Local Shopping and “Support Local” Movements

Perth consumers are increasingly prioritising local businesses when shopping online. The “support local” movement, which gained significant traction during the pandemic, has become an enduring mindset for many shoppers. Customers want to support their local economy and are willing to pay a premium for products and services from businesses they trust in their community.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Highlight your Perth roots in your branding, product descriptions, and marketing campaigns.
• Use phrases like “Proudly Perth-Based” or “Locally Made” to appeal to customers’ sense of community.
• Partner with other Perth-based businesses for cross-promotion to expand your reach.

2. Mobile Shopping Is Taking Over

Studies show that over 70% of ecommerce traffic now comes from mobile devices, and Perth is no exception to this trend. Consumers want to browse, shop, and pay on their smartphones without any friction. If your ecommerce website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely missing out on a huge chunk of potential sales.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Invest in a responsive ecommerce website design that works seamlessly on all devices.
• Simplify the checkout process for mobile users by offering quick payment options like Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal.
• Optimise your product pages for fast loading speeds, as slow websites can frustrate mobile users and lead to cart abandonment.

3. Sustainability Is a Key Selling Point

With growing awareness about environmental issues, sustainability is becoming a deciding factor for many Perth shoppers. Customers are looking for eco-friendly brands that align with their values, whether it’s through sustainable packaging, locally sourced materials, or ethical manufacturing processes.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Incorporate sustainability into your ecommerce strategy. For instance, use recyclable packaging or offer carbon-neutral shipping options.
• Be transparent about your sustainability efforts and share your story on your website and social media.
• Highlight eco-friendly products with dedicated sections or labels to make it easy for customers to find them.

4. Social Media Shopping Is Booming

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are transforming from content-sharing spaces into fully functional shopping destinations. Perth businesses are increasingly leveraging social media to showcase their products, run targeted ads, and engage with their audience.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Set up Instagram and Facebook Shops to allow customers to browse and buy directly from your social media profiles.
• Use high-quality visuals and videos to showcase your products in action.
• Leverage influencer marketing by collaborating with local Perth content creators who can promote your ecommerce store to their audience.

5. Personalisation Is the New Standard

Gone are the days of generic shopping experiences. Today’s Perth consumers expect personalised product recommendations, tailored marketing emails, and customised shopping journeys. Personalisation not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts conversion rates and customer loyalty.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Use customer data to send personalised product recommendations and offers. For example, suggest related items based on their previous purchases.
• Offer a “build-your-own” or customisation option for your products, especially if you sell items like gifts or accessories.
• Use tools like chatbots or live chat to provide personalised customer support in real time.

6. Fast and Free Shipping Is a Must

In Perth, as in the rest of the world, fast and free shipping quickly becomes a baseline expectation. With ecommerce giants like Amazon setting high standards, local businesses need to compete by offering fast and affordable delivery options to win customers.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Partner with local delivery services or couriers to offer same-day or next-day delivery in Perth.
• Offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount to encourage larger purchases.
• Be upfront about shipping times and costs so your customers know exactly what to expect.

7. Click-and-Collect Options Are Growing in Popularity

With Perth’s population being more spread out compared to other major Australian cities, click-and-collect has become a popular option for customers who want the convenience of online shopping without waiting for delivery. This hybrid shopping model is especially relevant for businesses with both physical stores and online platforms.

What This Means for Your Business:

• Implement a click-and-collect system on your ecommerce website so customers can pick up their orders at a convenient location.
• Promote click-and-collect as a way to save on shipping costs and get products faster.
• Use your physical store as an opportunity to upsell or cross-sell additional items when customers visit to pick up their orders.

8. Subscription Models Are Gaining Traction

Subscription-based ecommerce models are becoming increasingly popular in Perth, especially for consumable products like coffee, skincare, and pet supplies. Customers love the convenience of receiving their favourite products on a regular schedule without needing to place repeat orders.

What This Means for Your Business:

• If you sell consumables or recurring-use products, consider offering a subscription option.
• Provide incentives for subscribers, such as discounts, free shipping, or exclusive perks.
• Make it easy for customers to manage their subscriptions through your website.