Kiwi’s are beginning to shop online earlier in Christmas period, according to data from online marketplace TheMarket, which saw spending increase into November.

According to TheMarket, this is partly due to the increasing pickup of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by consumers and retailers alike, with over 120 merchants on the marketplace confirming to be participating in the online sales events. 

“2019 is a particularly interesting year, as we have one less weekend in December before Christmas… which will put extra pressure on consumers to get their shopping organised,” a TheMarket spokesperson said. 

“This will push consumers to spend earlier, and drive more activity online during the evenings when physical stores are closed.”

According to the marketplace, Christmas and gifting categories have of late accounted for 20 per cent of all browsing activity on the website, and gifting-related searches have increased by 49 per cent. 

Additionally, with new GST rules for international websites adding a further 15 per cent to purchases as of 1st December, it seems likely that customers will do much of their online shopping in November to circumvent the added cost. 

TheMarket recently announced the launch of its own subscription model, TheMarket Club, which offers free local and international shipping on orders over $45 as well as offers and trials of other services.

“We are anticipating significant growth this side of Christmas, particularly as we hit some key shopping events such as Black Friday where customers will be able to shop all the deals that matter with free shipping, then the preparations for Christmas Day itself,” TheMarket chief executive Justus Wilde said. 

Since launch, TheMarket has grown to offer over 200 stores, and is aiming to increase this number to 400 in the coming months.