Insights, tools and practical guidance to help retailers make the most of peak season
Businesses expect a busier peak than last year
Forecast retail sales in the six weeks before Christmas, up 5.5% on a year ago (seasonally adjusted).
Of holiday revenue is expected to come from major promotional events
Of businesses expect higher sales this holiday season
Sources: Australia Post – Quarterly eCommerce Update FY26 Q4 | July 2026, Roy Morgan, Deloitte – The Retail Report 2026, Shopify – 2026 Global Holiday Retail Report
Average basket size fell to a record low of $90, down 5% year-on-year
Shoppers are becoming increasingly value-driven, with 46% more price conscious and 34% switching to lower-cost alternatives
Founder & CEO,
She’s On The Money
CEO,
Australian Retail Council (ARC)
From planning and forecasting to fulfilment, delivery and returns, make sure your business is ready for the demands of peak.
How ready are you for peak? Assess your readiness and identify areas that may need attention.
Practical guidance to help you prepare for increased demand and manage the peak customer and delivery experience.
A practical checklist to help you work through the key areas of peak preparation.
Delivery | Fulfilment | Returns | Parcel Lockers
Check Australia Post’s final sending dates to help ensure gifts and cards arrive in time for Christmas.
Parcel Post:
By 21 December for interstate deliveries and 22 December for same state deliveries
Express Post:
By 23 December
Letters/Cards:
By 18 December for interstate deliveries and 21 December for same state deliveries
Items lodged over the counter at a Post Office will need to be lodged by 2.30pm on the abovementioned dates
People sending to or from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, or regional and remote locations should allow a few extra days for all postal services.
Economy Air:
Between 24 November – 4 December depending on the destination
International Standard:
Between 1 December – 11 December depending on the destination
International Express:
Between 4 December – 15 December depending on the destination
Trading Hours information coming soon
Practical guidance to help you prepare for increased demand and manage the peak
customer and delivery experience.
No resources are currently listed in this category.
Practical guidance for preparing for peak.
How online spend is shifting and where to focus now to win Peak 2026.
Check Australia Post’s final sending dates to help ensure gifts and cards arrive in time for Christmas.
Consumer behaviour and retail trends shaping the year ahead.
How shoppers will discover, compare and buy this holiday season, including how AI and value maxxing are changing the path to purchase.
Build practical retail capability through focused learning.
Managing workplace risks during the festive period.
Check back often, as we are adding new resources all the time.
Explore the latest retail data, consumer insights, practical tools and expert resources to help you navigate peak season.
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