Latest research from Australia Post forecasts online sales to equal physical store sales by 2030, with 49% of SME local businesses expecting to reach parity.

Reported by Inside Retail, Australia Post General Manager of Segment Development and Marketing, Rebecca Burrows, asserts it’s a reflection of changing consumer habits.

“People want an in-store experience, but in the comfort of their own living room – they want to see, touch and try,” she remarks.

“It is those in tune with customers and willing to embrace the latest online technology trends that will have the winning strategy.”

Technological innovation and a rise in subscription services are also attributed for the change, significantly impacting digital retail initiatives.

Features such as augmented reality, and AI-centric personalisation are also tipped to fuel online buying.

Australia Post’s study follows a survey with around 1,000 SME businesses encompassing retail, manufacturing, health and more.