Introduction
As October rolls in, New Zealand’s e-commerce landscape is heating up—and not just because the sun is finally sticking around. With the holiday season just around the corner, shoppers are gearing up to fill their carts, both virtual and physical. For Kiwi online retailers, this is the final lap before the year’s biggest sales period. So, what trends should you be watching this October to ensure you're holiday-ready?
Mobile Shopping Continues to Dominate
Over 65% of online purchases in NZ are now made via mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile shopping, you're already behind. October is the time to ensure that your checkout process is seamless, fast, and mobile-friendly. Responsive design, mobile payment options (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), and fast-loading pages are no longer optional—they're essential.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Still on the Rise
Services like Afterpay, Laybuy, and Zip have cemented their place in NZ’s retail ecosystem. Shoppers are increasingly favouring flexibility, especially heading into the high-spend holiday season. If you’re not offering a BNPL option, consider integrating one now to boost your average order value and reduce cart abandonment.
Sustainability Matters
Kiwis care deeply about the environment, and this concern is increasingly influencing their purchasing decisions. In October, ahead of gift season, more shoppers are seeking out sustainable packaging, ethical brands, and carbon-neutral delivery options. Highlight your sustainability efforts clearly on your site and product pages—it’s more than good PR, it’s good business.
Early Shopping Is the New Normal
Forget the December rush—many New Zealanders are starting their holiday shopping in October. Whether it’s to beat the crowds, avoid shipping delays, or take advantage of early deals, this shift means you need to start your promotions sooner. Flash sales, limited-time offers, and gift guides should already be live.
Social Commerce Is Gaining Ground
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are driving more direct e-commerce than ever. This October, look at how you can integrate social shopping into your strategy. From shoppable posts to influencer campaigns, this is where your customers are discovering new products.
Shipping & Fulfilment Expectations Are Higher Than Ever
Consumers now expect fast (often free) shipping, real-time tracking, and painless returns. With the upcoming holiday volume, now’s the time to audit your logistics. Partner with reliable couriers, communicate delivery timelines clearly, and consider offering click-and-collect for local customers.
AI-Powered Personalisation Is Taking Off
Shoppers want relevant recommendations, tailored emails, and dynamic content. E-commerce platforms that leverage AI for personalisation are seeing higher conversion rates. If you’re not already using these tools, platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce offer plugins to help get you started in time for the holiday rush.
Conclusion
October isn’t just a warm-up for the holidays—it’s a critical time to get everything aligned for a successful season. From mobile optimisation to sustainable practices, now is the moment to refine your strategy. Because once November hits, it’s game on.
Get ready, stay agile, and ride the wave—your busiest (and most profitable) months of the year are just ahead.
