Australians love to shop during office hours, according to new data released online electronics retailer Kogan.com.
While the peak sales window, over a two-month period leading into Christmas, was during the lunch break (between 12pm and 2pm), the data shows more than half of Kogan.com sales are made between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Founder of Kogan.com, Ruslan Kogan, said it might come as a surprise to many Australian bosses, but it was far from surprising to him.
“Shopping online is so easy these days. If you know what you want, it only takes a few clicks and a credit card to get yourself a new TV, dress, computer game or book – whatever you want,” Mr Kogan said.
“I don’t think it’s because Aussie workers are sitting at their desks shopping all day instead of doing their jobs, I think it’s more a reflection on how easy online shopping has become.
“I’d bet most bosses would be happier to see their staff jumping online for a few minutes to make a purchase, rather than heading down to the shopping centre during office hours.”
During the period from September 15 until November 14, sales volume picked up steadily from about 8am before hitting a midday peak. Sales reduced steadily from there until about 7pm before another surge between 8pm and 10pm.
Mr Kogan said there had also been a noticeable upswing in sales in the past two months, and expected the upswing to continue well into December.
“As Christmas draws nearer, there are more and more people heading to our website in search of a great gifts for their family and friends. But what has been really interesting is the increase in sales being made during lunch hours,” he said.
“Compared to two months ago, there are thousands more people, each day, hitting Kogan.com between midday and 2pm. It makes sense when you think about it. People don’t want to wait until after work in case their loved ones see what they are buying and it ruins the surprise.
“The workplace offers a certain degree of privacy, so you can make sure your presents remain a mystery until they are opened on Christmas day.”
