Australians Want to Shop Locally this Christmas (If the Price is Right)

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 TWEET: Much cheer for #Australia's e-tailers this Christmas on the back of local 'Buy Australian' sentiment http://bit.ly/TMK92P #MasterCard

Sydney, 7th December 2012 - New research by MasterCard shows that 98 per cent of Australians look for local retailers when it comes to their online shopping.

The findings - which fly in the face of many reports - will be welcome news for local online retailers this Christmas, vying for vital sales during the gift season. Top of the wish list for online shopping this year is books and DVDs, with nine in ten Australians considering an online purchase in the category this Christmas.

MasterCard Australia Country Manager, Andrew Cartwright says Aussies are keen to buy from local retailers - as long as the price is right.   

"People shop online for so many reasons - the convenience of shopping from your desk, the efficiency of getting it done without the crowds, the seemingly endless range," Mr Cartwright said.

"But increasingly, the public is doing their Christmas shopping online because they are seeing very serious cost savings to be had. This study shows that consumers want to shop locally, if they can get the same value they get from overseas retailers."

The MasterCard study found that Australians shop locally for two main reasons.

"59 per cent of the people we asked said faster delivery was a key driver to 'Buy Australian', while 46 per cent said it was important to deal with retailers they know and trust.

"So local retailers have the advantage over overseas competition in delivery and after-sales service but international online retailers are overwhelmingly favoured when it comes to price."

85 per cent said they are prompted to shop overseas because it's cheaper. Nearly two thirds of respondents also claim overseas online retailers offer a better range.

"Aussies love a bargain, and should have the freedom to shop around and secure the best deal possible. The price obstacle is a difficult one to overcome for local retailers, but competition is the key delivering customer satisfaction to Australians."

Other key findings from the MasterCard research into shopping with online retailers include:

• 89 per cent of adult Australians (12.6 million) have shopped online in the last twelve months
• Two out of every three Australians shop online at least once a month
• 60 per cent of Australians shopping for wines & spirits prefer Australian retailers, while in the books/DVD category, more shop with overseas retailers
• 79 per cent of Australians are considering buying toys, games or sports equipment online this Christmas

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Research methodology

• This study was conducted online by Galaxy Research between Monday 19 November and Friday 23 November 2012
• The study was conducted among a representative sample of 1,250 Australians aged 18-64 years who shopped online in the last 12 months      

Contacts:

Lyndsey Gordon, 02 8281 3839, Lyndsey.gordon@originagency.com.au

Chris Lawrence, 02 8281 3295, Chris.Lawrence@originagency.com.au

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About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com,is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.@MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe.