First Published: 26 March, 2025
The e-commerce landscape in 2024 has continued to evolve at pace, shaped by shifting economic conditions, changing consumer behaviour, and advancements in digital retail strategies. Recent reports reveal a notable increase in online transactions, a marked shift towards value-driven shopping, and the growing influence of international e-commerce platforms. While some markets experienced a decline in overall retail spending, online shopping remained resilient—further solidifying its role as a core driver of retail growth.
In this blog, we break down key insights from NZ Post and other recent reports, exploring how consumer habits are shifting and what’s fuelling the next wave of e-commerce growth.
Online shopping in New Zealand grew by 5%, with consumers making nearly 8 million more transactions than in 2023.However, average spend per transaction decreased by 7.5%, showing a shift towards lower-cost purchases and value-driven shopping.Consumers are still shopping online but are looking for better deals and discounts.Retailers need to focus on pricing strategies, loyalty programs, and personalised offers to maintain engagement and increase basket sizes.
Key online shopping days delivered standout growth this year:
Single’s Day: Online spend rose by a massive 69% year-on-year.
Black Friday – Cyber Monday: Up 7% compared to 2023.
Boxing Day: Saw a 21% increase in online spending on the day itself.
Interestingly, online spending dipped post-Black Friday, suggesting many consumers completed their Christmas shopping early, driven by better deals and heightened price sensitivity.
While the majority of e-commerce growth came from domestic retailers, international spending saw significant spikes in certain categories:
Department, Variety & Miscellaneous Retail: Up 33%, largely influenced by platforms like Temu.
Speciality Food, Groceries & Liquor: Up 9%, suggesting consumers are seeking niche or unavailable products overseas.
This trend underscores the disruptive influence of global players offering wider selection and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, sectors like Clothing & Footwear saw a strong +20% domestic growth, with offshore spending in that category declining by 17%.
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