A RECORD 9.3 million Australian households have participated in online shopping sprees over the last financial year - up 12 per cent from 9.1m the previous financial year - largely due to extended lockdowns during the pandemic, according to Australia Post.

Hamilton Business Regional Association (HRBA) public officer, Matt Nettleton, said that the association supported its members and non-members in developing online sales and marketing acumen, but also encouraged people to get back into stores and shop locally.