Aussies spending big in Black Friday sales amid cost-of-living crunch

Australians changed their spending habits in 2023 and took advantage of Black Friday sales in November instead of the traditional pre-Christmas buying boom in December.

Retail turnover rose 2 per cent in November 2023 compared to a 0.4 per cent fall in October, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

ABS head of business statistics Robert Ewing said there's been a change in the months Aussies are spending their money.

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"Black Friday sales were again a big hit this year, with retailers starting promotional periods earlier and running them for longer, compared to previous years," he said.

"The strong rise suggests that consumers held back on discretionary spending in October to take advantage of discounts in November.

"Shoppers may have also brought forward some Christmas spending that would usually happen in December."

Household goods were the number one purchase during the Black Friday sales this year with a rise of 7.5 per cent compared to October.

Department stores saw a 4.2 per cent rise on the previous month and clothing, footwear and personal accessories came in a close third with a 2.7 per cent rise.

"Retailers told us that the success of Black Friday sales was boosted by consumers seeking out discounts in response to cost-of-living pressures," Ewing said.

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Shoppers in South Australia took the most advantage of the Black Friday sales with a 2.8 per cent rise in spending compared to October, closely followed by Victoria.

Both South Australians and Victorians saved their spending for November as the ABS data showed a fall in discretionary buying in October in anticipation of the sales.