Online spending has grown from humble beginnings to become an influencing force on the retail sector.
Customers, now armed with an abundant amount of online information, are quick to compare prices online in search of cheaper alternatives. But as well as using the internet to research cheaper alternatives, we’re also seeing that they’re happy to purchase online to get the deal and service levels they desire.
The growth in online shopping has caused some to question how this will affect traditional retail stores, and what this effect will ultimately have on investments. In this article we examine some of the opportunities investors can consider in light of the rising trend of online shopping.
Investment Opportunities
Companies that are able to capture new revenue through online spending will be rewarded.
In all sectors internet shopping is rising at a rapid rate. While this rising trend has come from small beginnings, any time there is a disruptive trend, it’s important for investors to be astute and carefully watch those companies that may previously have been regarded as well-established and ‘safe’.
We believe the companies that will be successful will be those who are able to restructure their businesses in response to changing economic and consumer circumstances. This may include transitioning business models to accommodate online shoppers by improving websites, expanding product offerings, and focusing on innovative ways to deliver products from point of purchase to customers.
Consider businesses who sell exclusively online
Other opportunities for investors from online shopping include successful businesses that are exclusively online, such as Amazon and Overstock. In Australia, a similar business includes OzSale which has no traditional store, and whose business model involves selling solely online.
It’s not the end of traditional retail shopping!
While there is certainly a rise in online spending, we don’t believe that this heralds the end of traditional retail shopping. Many retail properties have embarked on redevelopment plans to transform centres into entertainment destinations and there has been an expansion of highly regarded global brands entering the Australian retail market.
Japanese retailer UNIQLO, Swedish retailing giant H&M and Spanish trend setter Zara have all set up shop in Australia. Many of these retailers have been motivated to open in Australia after seeing strong Australian buyer interest in their online sites. As such, the growing trend of online shopping has actually revealed to many global retailers that Australia is a bit of an untapped ‘ Treasure Island’!
AMP Capital Shopping Centres Managing Director Bryan Hynes has said the quality of the international retailers coming to retail centres such as Macquarie Centre, New South Wales’ largest retail centre, only confirms the strength of redevelopment moves. This will transform the centres’ retail offering and customer experience.
For investors in listed and direct property the expansion of highly regarded brands seeking to do more retail business in Australia could support leasing activity, and as a result underpin the yield offered by these assets as landlords drive income growth by undertaking opportunities or expansion, refurbishment and development.
Contact Brad Lonergan (Financial Planner) for Investment Planning advice for Newcastle and Hunter residents.
0423 621 120 or email at brad@bmkfs.com.au
