Local labels, homeware brands, luxe retailers and cashback offers are set to be the big winners in 2023, according to veteran retailers and creators of Australia’s most premium shopping app, Her Black Book.

Sali Sasi and Julie Stevanja, the former founders of activewear aggregator, Stylerunner, are tipping the trends they believe will dominate the year ahead with a nod to the rise of the astute shopper.

1. Cashing in on cashback

The cashback industry is on the rise in Australia with Choice citing millions of Australians are currently making the most of these services. According to Statista, the global cashback industry is expected to be worth more than $200 billion by 2024.

“Since launching our cashback feature in May we’ve seen a massive uptake among our users. In fact, we saw a 300% surgein people shopping cashback deals during Cyber Week,” Stevanja said.

“The cashback category is now our strongestin terms of number of deals with more than 250 offers, proving that more brands are opting to offer this kind of incentive,” Sasi added.

2. Local labels

“We have noticed shoppers are showing a lot of love to homegrown labels which is a reflection of Australia’s high-quality retailers,” Sasisaid.

“More specifically, we’ve seen a big spike in our community shopping female founded Australian brands like SIR The Label, Fella Swim, Anna Quan and Naked Sundays. There’s also tremendous support for our smaller and VSBs (very small brands) which tell us people are willing to get behind emerging labels, and being more conscious when it comes to choosing where and how goods are produced.”

3. Homewares

Homewares has surpassed performance expectations, rivalling Her Black Book’s usual leading categories.

“Covid forced us all to spend more time at home and take a little more pride in our spaces. Our homewares category has quickly become one of our leading categories, on par with fashion and beauty,” Stevanja said.

“Our homewares category now has more than a hundred deals, with offers from brands including Nespresso, Twinkling Tabletops, Bed Threads, Maison Balzac, Nuage Interiors, Dusk and Adairs.”

On Her Black Book, users can ‘Follow’ brands, similar to social media functionalities, and the app’s homeware brands have more ‘Follows’ than activewear, swim and jewellery and accessories brands.

4. Designer deals

Luxury labels are also a popular choice among Her Black Bookusers with Sasi and Stevanjahypothesising shoppers are still treating themselves but being savvy about it.

“Times are tough right now, but that’s how the Lipstick Effect all started, and this feels like history repeating itself,” Sasisaid.

“Through Her Black Book, shoppers get access to promotions, discounts and cashback offers from all brands, including designer labels, meaning people can treat themselves but get a great deal while they’re at it.”

Stevanja added: “A luxury purchase doesn’t always need to be over the top either, but a small splurge on a pre-loved handbag or pair of designer sunnies can be a real mood (and outfit) booster. Our designer category is now sitting at more than 60 brands, with global juggernauts like Net-A-Porter, Farftech, MyTheresa, Proenza Schouler, Furla, SSENSE and Selfridgesall joining us.”

Feature image: Her Black Book founders, Sali Sasi and Julie Stevanja. Photo credit: Brogan Chidley.