Online spending jumps 26% in 12 months

Australians spent about $10.9 billion online in the year ending in February, according to new statistics.

But the National Australia Bank online retail sales index says online sales only equate to 5% of traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ retail spending (excluding restaurants and takeaway food) in Australia.

Online spending grew by about 26% in the 12 months to February 2012.

And despite complaints from traditional retailers that online business is cutting into their sales, bricks and mortar retail sales grew 1.7%.

The figures also show online sales remain less seasonal than traditional retail spending.