Australian retail is at a pivotal moment. While global e-commerce continues its rapid ascent, over 80% of retail sales in Australia still occur in physical stores. Yet, the lines between digital and physical shopping have blurred—consumers expect to research online, check in-store availability, and complete purchases wherever and whenever they choose. This expectation for seamless, hyper-personalised experiences is colliding with a uniquely Australian set of challenges: supply chain disruptions, tariff changes, and the enduring importance of brick-and-mortar stores.
Recent consumer research underscores the urgency for transformation:
In this environment, Australian retailers must bridge the digital-physical divide, not just to survive, but to thrive. The answer lies in omnichannel supply chain transformation—leveraging AI, real-time inventory visibility, and integrated fulfillment strategies to deliver on the promise of unified commerce.
Australia’s geographic isolation, exposure to global supply chain shocks, and recent tariff realignments have made resilience and agility non-negotiable. Disruptions—whether from global events, port delays, or shifting trade policies—can quickly cascade through the supply chain, impacting product availability and customer trust. Meanwhile, the store remains a critical touchpoint: 81% of consumers visit stores for hands-on product experiences, and 77% value immediate access to purchases.
To address these realities, leading Australian retailers are:
Woolworths has set a new standard for omnichannel retail in Australia by integrating AI-powered stock tracking, mobile engagement, and real-time fulfillment:
This approach has not only improved operational efficiency but also elevated the customer experience, as reflected in positive consumer feedback and increased loyalty program engagement.
Only 17% of retailers globally have full inventory visibility—including in stores, in transit, and in returns. For Australian retailers, closing this gap is critical. A single, real-time view of inventory enables:
AI and machine learning synthesise internal and external data—sales, weather, social trends—to predict demand and optimise inventory placement. This enables:
Modern fulfillment is about orchestrating inventory and logistics across all channels for speed, cost, and satisfaction. Leading strategies include:
Cloud platforms and automation are the backbone of modern supply chains, enabling:
Australian retail leaders recognise that omnichannel transformation is not just a technology upgrade—it’s a holistic reinvention of operations, customer experience, and business models. As one executive notes, “We can no longer be building separate systems by channel. It really needs a holistic approach, where we have one provider who’s building an omnichannel shopping experience.”
The future of Australian retail supply chain is agile, intelligent, and customer-obsessed. By investing in real-time inventory visibility, AI-powered demand planning, omnichannel fulfillment, and a modern cloud foundation, retailers can:
At Publicis Sapient, we partner with Australian retailers to design and deliver supply chain transformations that drive measurable business impact—today and for the future. Ready to bridge digital and physical for a seamless customer experience? Let’s start the conversation.