As hybrid work continues to challenge traditional work-life balance, consumer behaviour is adapting to new spending patterns on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Sydney’s share of night-time spending at restaurants and bars on Thursday evenings more than doubled from 4.6% in 2022 to 9.3% in 2023, according to new data from the Mastercard Economic Institute.
Kings Cross’ share of Thursday late-night spending (11pm to 6am) sits at 9.3%, versus 6.6% on Fridays.
An emerging night-time culture is taking off in the greater Sydney area, including the City of Parramatta which saw a growth rate of 104% above 2019 levels.
Sydney residential neighbourhoods are noticing the importance of Mondays and Fridays, with areas, such as Bellevue Hill, experiencing growth of 129% on breakfast expenditure.
In Melbourne, the suburbs are where it’s at for lunch out, with some areas increasing lunchtime spending by 9 percentage points.
Southbank lunchtime expenditure increased 4 percentage points on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when many office workers are on-site. In South Yarra, the lunchtime spending share has slightly dropped, while evening spending has increased 65% since 2019, retaining its spot as a popular night-time destination.
In 2019, almost half (47%) of Melbourne’s bar and restaurant spend happened during breakfast and lunch, but in 2023 that figure is down to 43%, a 4-percentage point decrease.