Australians are buying more than ever online, but cost-of-living pressures are resulting in smaller checkout bundles, Facebook – click the up coming internet site – according to new data. Australians spent nearly $16 billion in online marketplaces and $13.6 billion on food and alcohol, while fashion grossed the third biggest outlay by sector at $9.6 billion. Cost-pressures reduced the average basket size by 2.1 per cent to $95, and contributed to a record-breaking $2.2 billion spend during the November Cyber sales period. Australia Post’s parcels executive general manager Gary Starr said. However, three-quarters of businesses were concerned frequent sales events were stopping shoppers from buying during non-sale periods, he said. The report found 9.8 million households shopped online in 2024, up 2.3 per cent on the year before, eclipsing the number of households counted in the 2021 Census. Australians spent a record $69 billion online last year, up 12 per cent from the year before, according to Australia Post’s yearly ecommerce report. Millennials led the spending, dropping $25 billion online, followed by Generation X, who spent $19 billion, while Gen Z spent $12 billion and Baby Boomers spent $10 billion. By state, online shopping in the NT grew the fastest in 2024 at 11.3 per cent, followed by Tasmania at 11.1 per cent and Queensland, which grew 7.3 per cent. The intersection of social media content and commerce was growing with younger age groups, according to Tomorrow Retailing Consulting founder Jordan Berke.

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand.

Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. So she decided to make her own. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery.