By Aimee Chanthadavong
Thanks to the ever increasing number of the Australian digital shoppers, Click Frenzy is set to become a catalyst for increased sales for retailers ahead of Christmas, according to IBM Digital Analytics Benchmark data.
The data showed retail sales were up 16.3 per cent throughout Click Frenzy, which ran for 24 hours from 7pm, Tuesday 19 November 2013, compared to the same period last year. This is despite the fact preliminary figures of 1,061,000 visitors were slightly short of last year’s 1.6 million, as was the average order value, which was down 4 per cent from last year to $131.13.
“We’re exhausted but delighted with Click Frenzy Mark II,” said managing director Grant Arnott.
“Now that’s done, we can shrug off the crash issue and get on with improvements for next year and new initiatives to further boost shopping activity online.
“Our business is just a little over a year old – we feel we’ve made a big impact in a short time, but we’re only just beginning. Now we want to make a lasting imprint on retail with big improvements ahead for Click Frenzy and some new initiatives to work on. It’s an exciting time for this industry.”
The biggest traffic spike for Click Frenzy that was recorded happened just after dinner around 9.30pm. Tablets generated 17.4 per cent of all online traffic while smartphones generated 15.9 percent. While both devices were used to browse retailer sites, tablets drove significantly higher percent of sales than smartphones at 14.1 per cent compared to 3.7 per cent, respectively.
But the frenzy is not stopping there. Price comparison website Shopbot is hosting its own ‘click frenzy’ calling it the Black Friday Super Sale, which will take place at 12am on Friday November 29 in time for Black Friday in the United States.
Shopbot Asia-Pacific sales director Neil Thomas said consumers no longer have to wait for Boxing Day sales to grab a bargain on products, including fashion, accessories, electronics and health and beauty.
“Previously, Aussies have had to wait until the Boxing Day Sales to get the best bargains. We wanted to go one better, and give them access to these kinds of discounts before the Christmas season,” he said.
“For shopaholics and deal hunters, Black Friday is the best time of the year to find the perfect Christmas gifts, silly season outfits and summer holiday essentials, while also saving money.”
Retailers that will be participating, include Bloomingdales, Macy’s The Iconic, General Pants and oo.com.au.
"The Shopbot Black Friday sale is aiming to save Australians $8 million in the lead up to Christmas,” Thomas said.
“The savings are huge, the retailers are big brands and prices have been certified by the Shopbot system. This means you are guaranteed to find the cheapest prices on these items during the 24 hour Shopbot Black Friday sale."