Black Friday 2024: How automation can revolutionise Australian retailers' success

As Australian consumers gear up for Black Friday 2024, retailers face their biggest challenge yet: handling unprecedented demand while staying efficient. The solution? Automation.

This year, Australian shoppers are expected to spend a record-breaking $6.7 billion over the four-day Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, marking a 5.5% increase from 2023, according to Roy Morgan. This surge is part of an anticipated $69.7 billion boost for retailers in the six-week lead-up to Christmas, a rise of 2.7% from last year. With these figures, it's clear that Australian retailers must be prepared to deliver seamless shopping experiences at scale.

Black Friday 2024 by the Numbers

• $6.7 billion expected to be spent in Australia over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.
• 5.5% increase in spending compared to 2023.
• $69.7 billion projected for the six-week lead-up to Christmas.

To capitalise on this opportunity, retailers must embrace cutting-edge technologies, particularly automation. The right technology stack not only drives growth but also slashes operational costs, enabling businesses to efficiently manage large order volumes with minimal disruption.

The Critical Role of Automation
With shoppers eager to score Black Friday deals, the pressure on retailers to deliver a seamless experience is intense. Australian consumers expect fast deliveries, accurate orders, and a flawless shopping journey. On the other side, retailers grapple with challenges such as high order volumes, warehouse congestion, and potential supply chain bottlenecks. Automation provides a lifeline, optimising processes from order management to final-mile delivery.

Did you know? Black Friday sales are growing faster than Christmas sales. Is your tech stack ready to manage the surge?

Building the Right Technology Stack
Retailers looking to thrive during Black Friday and beyond must invest in a future-proof technology stack. Solutions that integrate with existing systems—like inventory management software, CRM platforms, and shipping tools—are essential. A robust, connected tech stack ensures seamless operations during peak times, allowing businesses to stay agile and competitive.

Key Tip: Ensure your tech stack can handle fluctuations in order volumes to avoid slowdowns or system failures during the Black Friday rush.

Case Study: How Subo Products Optimised Black Friday Fulfillment
For Subo, an Australian-based e-commerce retailer, shipping large order volumes used to be a logistical headache. In 2020, Subo turned to ShipStation's automation tools to introduce processes that could help them meet customer demand and scale. ShipStation's platform allowed them to streamline order tagging, automate carrier selection, and validate shipping addresses in real-time, reducing errors and improving delivery times. The result? Subo reduced labour costs and errors by over 50%, increased order processing speed by 81%, and achieved a 300% time saving on order adjustments, enabling them to meet a 250% sales growth without delays in dispatch.

The team behind the technology have given Subo the confidence they have a partner and not just a platform. "Whenever we are looking for a more efficient way of approaching an aspect of fulfillment I send an email to customer service to see if the platform has a feature that we can use. They always have suggestions on ways we can get even more out of ShipStation. They will happily jump on a call to walk us through anything we need support with," says Jen. 

ShipStation's success in transforming fulfillment for retailers like Aussie Pet Supplies has earned it recognition across the industry, including the prestigious Shipping Platform Partner of the Year Award from Cin7.

Global Technologies Shaping Australian Retail
Emerging global technologies are reshaping the retail industry in Australia, offering local businesses a competitive edge. From automation to advanced analytics, these tools help retailers navigate both domestic and international markets more efficiently. By embracing automation in areas like supply chain management and customer service, Australian retailers can meet global shopper demand and position themselves for long-term growth.

Thought Starter: How prepared is your business to integrate AI and automation into your Black Friday strategy?

Optimising Shipping Through Automation
One of the biggest challenges during Black Friday is managing shipping logistics. With online sales surging, choosing the right carrier for each order becomes a complex, time-sensitive task. ShipStation's automation platform helps retailers automate carrier selection, ensuring each delivery is handled by the most reliable and cost-effective option. This not only reduces shipping costs but also ensures timely delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Real-World Impact: Retailer BullyBillows boosted fulfillment capacity by 10x and eliminated shipping errors using ShipStation technology.

Minimising Picking Errors with Automation
High order volumes increase the risk of human error in fulfillment. Mistakes in picking and packing can lead to delays, returns, and dissatisfied customers. Automation tools such as barcode scanning and automated picking systems reduce errors, ensuring greater accuracy. Fewer mistakes mean fewer returns, happier customers, and improved efficiency.

Automating Data Entry and Inventory Management
Manual data entry and outdated inventory management systems can slow down operations, especially during peak periods like Black Friday. Automating these tasks ensures real-time visibility into stock levels and seamless updates across systems, preventing issues like stockouts and overselling.

Pro Tip: ShipStation's powerful automation tools, including order tagging, customised rules, and address validation, streamline operations, maintain precise inventory control, and ensure a flawless, error-free fulfillment process.

Enhancing the Customer Experience with Automation
Automation doesn't just improve operational efficiency—it elevates the customer experience. From AI-powered chatbots to real-time order tracking, automation enables retailers to provide faster, more accurate service during peak times, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased repeat business.

Preparing for a Smoother Peak Season
With Black Friday fast approaching, retailers must assess their technology stack now to ensure they're equipped to handle the surge. Automation solutions that integrate across order management, inventory control, and customer service are essential to reducing operational strain, minimising errors, and delivering a superior shopping experience during this critical trading period.

Don't let your competitors get ahead this Black Friday—evaluate your tech stack today to secure your slice of the $6.7 billion pie.