Online shopping takes off in suburbs

GEELONG’S southern suburbs are home to some of Australia’s most prolific online shoppers, data reveals.

The sprawling 3216 postcode is the eighth largest buyer of online fashion items in the country, rising by 36 per cent in 2017, according to new research from Australia Post.

The area — which takes in parts of Grovedale, Waurn Ponds, Highton, Belmont and Marshall — is also ranked fifth in Victoria for overall digital purchases.

The residential boom in Geelong’s south is also evidenced by the surge in homeware and appliance buying.

Purchases in Mount Duneed and Barwon Heads grew by more than 30 per cent, with Ocean Grove also recording 19.8 per cent growth.

Australia Post’s research shows that a record number of people are shopping online, with total purchases topping $21 billion last year.

It was an 18.7 per cent increase on 2016, Australia Post’s Ben Franzi said.

“Marketplaces — such as Amazon, eBay and Etsy — are booming, growing 74.8 per cent in the past year alone,” Mr Franzi said.

“Australians really appreciate the convenience of being able to access goods from a variety of sellers in the one location.” Fashion continues to be the top selling category, with health and beauty products also popular.