Australia Post has tracked Warrnambool’s online shopping habits through its customer and delivery data, showing a 10.8 per cent growth rate year on year.

Australia Post’s general manager of eCommerce and International Ben Franzi said the Inside Australian Online Shopping Report showed south-west shoppers were spending the most on clothing and cosmetics.

“Data from Australia Post shows that Warrnambool locals are buying from the health and beauty category, in particular cosmetics, with a growth rate of 19.3 per cent,” he said.

“We’re also seeing strong growth in the fashion segment, up 15.6 per cent, with items such as clothing and accessories proving to be popular. In fact, more than a quarter of all deliveries into Warrnambool are fashion items.

“Recreational goods are also very popular, with a growth rate of 14.4 per cent.”

When The Standard asked Warrnambool shoppers whether they preferred shopping online, many respondents said they enjoyed the variety and cheaper prices on the net.

Many shoppers said they tried to do a mixture of online and shopping in local stores. Others said the current Liebig Street upgrades made it difficult to access many shops in the main street. Another respondent said it was important to support local businesses and local jobs.

Warrnambool’s online shopping figures are in line with a nationwide trend, with an 11.5 per cent growth year on year.

Nationwide, 29 per cent of purchases were made between 7pm-10pm and 18 per cent between 2pm-5pm. More shoppers are also using their mobiles, up 52 per cent.

Australians spent $21.65 billion online in 2016, although 79 per cent of purchases were from domestic retailers.