Direct selling in Australia returned to modest growth in 2025, with value sales reaching AUD1,660 million, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. While the channel is still operating below its pre-pandemic scale, 2025 sales showed signs of meaningful recovery, supported by improvements in digital selling tools, category diversification and stronger performance from high-engagement brands with loyal user bases. Consumer confidence also rebounded slightly, providing more support to discreti

Retail in Australia showed notable resilience in 2025, delivering a 5% increase in sales to AUD394,758 million, benefiting from improved consumer confidence and easing inflation. The environment is attractive for players able to adapt, as the landscape rewards operational efficiency, digital innovation, and sharp value propositions amidst ongoing cost pressures and evolving shopper expectations. Success hinges on investing in omnichannel strategies, expanding private label portfolios that comb

Appliances and electronics specialists in Australia delivered steady growth in 2025, rising 2% to a retail value of AUD21,645 million. Growth in Australia outpaced several mature retail markets, where inflationary pressures and housing market uncertainty continued to suppress discretionary spending. The strongest momentum came from the rapid adoption of AI-enabled devices, such as AI-powered laptops, wearables like the Oura Ring, and smart eyewear exemplified by Meta’s AI-driven Ray-Ban glasses.

In 2025, vending in Australia continued its post-pandemic recovery with current value sales of AUD827 million, rising 1% on the previous year. This performance was underpinned by a resurgence in consumer mobility, a return to higher foot traffic in public spaces, and widespread acceptance of cashless payment systems. The rise of smart vending, featuring touchscreens, contactless payments, and remote inventory monitoring, played a pivotal role in attracting consumers, particularly in transit hubs

Apparel and footwear specialists in Australia delivered modest but steady current value growth in 2025, reaching AUD17,095million, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. The uptick in 2025 can be attributed to improved consumer confidence and a focus on value, durability, and seasonless wardrobe staples, as consumers responded to ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Retailers faced rising rents, utilities, and labour inflation, which placed pressure on margins and necessitated disciplined

Discounters maintained robust growth in 2025, reaching AUD13,824 million, with growth moderating to 4% from the exceptionally strong 10% rise in 2024. The previous year saw a surge in value-seeking households flocking to Aldi as consumer backlash intensified against perceived price gouging at supermarkets Coles and Woolworths. In 2025, Coles and Woolworths both invested heavily in sharper pricing, private label management and more compelling value campaigns, leading to stronger competition for

Supermarkets in Australia achieved steady current value growth of 3% in 2025, reaching AUD114,143 million. This performance was notable against the backdrop of a slowing Australian economy, with cost-of-living pressures forcing Australian households to prioritise essential spending. The supermarket landscape became increasingly competitive following the 2024 price-gouging scrutiny, triggering more aggressive pricing strategies from major players, particularly Coles, whose operational efficienci

In 2025, hypermarkets in Australia experienced sluggish growth, with current value sales rising from AUD15,620 million in 2024 to AUD15,810 million, representing a 1% increase. Overall, consumer confidence remained subdued, with hypermarkets facing the twin challenges of cautious household spending and rising operating costs. Kmart Group and Big W delivered mixed results as value-conscious consumers reshaped demand across discretionary categories.

Convenience retailers in Australia registered steady value growth in 2025, with total sales rising 3% to AUD14,177 million. This result is particularly notable given the broader backdrop of rising living costs and weak consumer confidence. In the face of persistent inflation, convenience retailers sustained momentum by capitalising on impulse purchases and investing in technology-led operational upgrades.

Small local grocers in Australia recorded steady yet modest current value growth in 2025, reaching AUD9,379 million, which represented a 2% year-on-year increase. This performance followed a period of volatility in the broader retail environment and reflected stability as cost-of-living pressures began to ease. Sales were resilient compared to some regional and global trends where large-scale modern retailers and discounters have exerted significant competitive pressure. Small local grocers i

Health and beauty specialists in Australia delivered strong current value growth in 2025, with sales reaching AUD21.7 billion and year-on-year growth of 9%. This performance significantly outpaced many other discretionary spending areas, as Australian consumers continued to prioritise self-care, functional wellness, and accessible indulgence in their purchasing decisions. Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, emotional and value-driven consumption underpinned demand, with consumers turning t

Home products specialists in Australia recorded steady value growth in 2025, with current value sales reaching AUD31,906 million, up 2% from the previous year. A rebound in small-scale home improvement and refresh projects underpinned performance. Unlike some global and regional peers facing sharper economic headwinds, Australian retailers benefited from ongoing demand for affordable, functional upgrades, with a focus on practical spending amid prolonged cost-of-living pressures. Australia’s rea

General merchandise stores in Australia delivered steady growth in 2025, with retail value rising to AUD6,941 million, reflecting 2% year-on-year growth compared to 2024. This performance was underpinned by an improving economy, with real GDP growth reaching 2% and inflation moderating to 3%, which together contributed to easing cost-of-living pressures and a gradual recovery in consumer confidence. Households cautiously resumed selective discretionary spending, especially in areas such as home

Retail e-commerce in Australia witnessed a robust performance in 2025, maintaining strong momentum following a double-digit rise in 2024. Current value sales reached AUD80,336 million, marking 11% growth over the previous year, and substantially outpacing in-store retail.

Digital shopper (e-commerce goods and services) in Australia demonstrated robust momentum in 2025, reinforcing its status as a dynamic and attractive landscape for investment and innovation. The sustained expansion is anchored in the high uptake of digital devices and near-universal broadband connectivity, which support increasingly sophisticated shopper journeys and facilitate rapid adoption of new payment methods and digital-first retail models. The competitive environment is undergoing accel

In 2025, bath and shower in Australia demonstrated steady value growth, with retail sales reaching AUD607 million, representing a 3% increase from the previous year. This performance stands out against a backdrop of moderate economic expansion, supported by the median disposable income per household and the total population growing to 28 million. Inflation remains relatively contained at 3%, supporting cautious but resilient spending among Australian consumers. The value increase in bath and sho

In 2025, colour cosmetics in Australia demonstrated robust growth driven by a strategic shift towards value-driven beauty. Retail sales reached AUD2.5 billion, reflecting a growth of 6% from 2024. This growth outpaced general economic conditions, with real GDP growth at 2% and inflation at 3%, indicating the category’s ability to thrive despite broader economic pressures.

In 2025, fragrances in Australia demonstrated strong growth, with retail value sales reaching AUD1.6 billion, representing a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth outpaced real GDP growth, which is moderate at 2% in 2025, and reflects the resilience of the category amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The consumer base of approximately 28 million people continues to support demand for fragrances as an accessible indulgence that provides emotional uplift and personal wellbeing. Risin

In 2025, hair care in Australia reached a retail sales value of AUD1,904 million, reflecting a growth of 4% over the previous year. This positive performance aligns with a steady expansion in consumer expenditure, which reached AUD1,479,269 million in 2025, supported by a population size of approximately 28 million. Economic factors such as moderate real GDP growth and inflation at 3% underpin consumer spending behaviours, while cost-of-living pressures encourage value-conscious purchasing patte

In 2025, skin care in Australia reached AUD3,958 million, reflecting a 6% increase compared to 2024. This growth is supported by a stable economic environment, with a real GDP growth rate of 2% in 2025, following a recovery from the pandemic-related dip in 2020. Consumer expenditure trends also corroborate this positive outlook, with total expenditure rising to AUD1.5 trillion, indicating increased purchasing power and a willingness to invest in personal care products. Additionally, population g

Oral care in Australia in 2025 demonstrated growth driven by consumer behavioural shifts towards prevention and technological advancement. Sales value reached AUD1.1 billion, reflecting a 4% growth from 2024. This growth outpaces regional growth, which remained flat due to unit multipliers and volume measures. The Australian population in 2025 reached 28 million, with consumer expenditure steadily increasing, supporting sustained demand for premium and innovative oral care products. Economic fa

In 2025, deodorants in Australia reached AUD574 million, representing 3% growth in current terms. Innovation in deodorants continued to be primarily driven by a lifestyle shift where Australian consumers reframe deodorants from basic hygiene products to confidence, comfort, and self-expression solutions. This evolution includes expanded usage beyond underarms to whole-body applications such as shoulders, chest, and legs, reflecting a broader wellness and self-care mindset. Consumers increasingly

In 2025, sun care in Australia continued to exhibit strong growth with retail sales value rising to AUD533 million, growing 7%. This growth trajectory surpasses the general regional economic outlook, supported by Australia’s high ultraviolet (UV) exposure and an ageing population increasingly prioritising skin health and protection. The country’s total population reached approximately 28 million in 2025, contributing to sustained demand for sun care products.

In 2025, men's grooming in Australia achieved a retail value of AUD1,368 million, reflecting a 6% growth from the previous year. This growth is underpinned by a consumer shift towards skin-first routines and practical self-care, with men increasingly adopting simple, results-oriented products such as lightweight SPF moisturisers, gentle exfoliators, and hydrating mists. The premiumisation trend accelerates within this category, particularly in skincare, pre- and post-shave products, and fragran