Vacuum cleaners in Australia experienced modest retail volume growth in 2025, while higher value growth was driven by the increasing demand for cordless stick and robotic vacuum cleaners. The category is expected to experience further increases over the forecast period, driven by the recovery in the real estate market and the construction sector. To succeed, brands should focus on innovation, particularly in smart and AI-powered features, and cordless designs, as well as effective marketing stra

Despite marginal declines in 2025, sales of small cooking appliances in Australia were driven by consumers' interest in premium coffee experiences and convenient cooking solutions. Coffee machines remained a significant contributor to overall sales, while air fryers and rice cookers saw dynamic growth due to consumers' interest in healthier cooking options and international cuisines. The trend towards premiumisation and convenience is expected to continue shaping demand.

Personal care appliances in Australia experienced stable growth in 2025, driven by social media influence and consumer demand for personalised products. With a retail volume of 7.4 million units, hair care appliances dominated demand, while body shavers saw dynamic growth. The category is expected to continue growing over the forecast period. To succeed, brands must focus on innovation, credible storytelling, and practical improvements, such as multifunctionality and sustainability.

Refrigeration appliances in Australia experienced a challenging 2025 due to weak demand in the real estate and construction sectors. Despite this, volume sales for freestanding refrigeration appliances saw a marginal increase, indicating a gradual recovery in consumer spending. Looking ahead, sustainability and energy efficiency are expected to drive sales. The market is characterised by a trend towards premiumisation and the integration of smart and AI-powered features. Specialist retailers rem

Microwaves in Australia demonstrated a rise in demand in 2025, driven by consumers' focus on affordability and healthy cooking options. Despite negative consumer sentiment, retail volume sales grew by 1%, while retail value sales increased by 3%, indicating a willingness to pay more for advanced features. Freestanding microwaves dominated sales, but the built-in format recorded a higher growth rate. The category is expected to continue growing at a 1% retail volume CAGR over the forecast period,

In 2025, large cooking appliances in Australia was characterised by a shift towards premiumisation, driven by consumer demand for energy-efficient and high-end products. This was evident with retail volume sales increasing by 2%, while retail value grew by 3%. Ovens remained the largest category in terms of retail volume, while built-in hobs saw dynamic growth driven by consumer preferences for sleek, integrated kitchen designs and advanced cooking technologies. Demand is expected to continue gr

Home laundry appliances in Australia experienced a marginal improvement in 2025, with 1% growth in retail volume sales, reaching 1.5 million units, driven by replacement purchases. Automatic washing machines dominated sales, while automatic washer dryers recorded more dynamic growth due to technological advancements. The category is expected to continue growing, driven by trends such as premiumisation, and a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, as consumers invest in high-quality produ

Food preparation appliances in Australia continued to experience decline in retail volume sales, falling by 6% in 2025. This was driven by ongoing cost-of-living pressures and cautious consumer spending. Despite this, consumers sought functional and reliable appliances offering long-term value, with a focus on compact, space-saving designs that can multitask and simplify food preparation. Blenders remained the largest contributor to volume sales, driven by the introduction of hybrid appliances t

In 2025, dishwashers in Australia experienced marginal growth, driven by increasing urbanisation and a shift towards compact, built-in, and space-efficient appliances, with retail volumes reaching 684,100 units, 1% growth from the previous year. The category is expected to continue growing, with a forecast retail volume CAGR of 2% to reach 761,900 units by 2030. Premiumisation is a key driver, with consumers willing to pay more for high-end features and designs, such as smart connectivity, steam

Consumer appliances in Australia is characterised by a strong focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and convenience, driven by consumer demand for products that simplify their routines and offer long-term value. In 2025, air treatment products and refrigeration appliances experienced solid growth, with sales driven by consumer preferences for energy-efficient and advanced features. However, while the median disposable income per household increased during the year, and the consumer confidence

Footwear in Australia experienced modest growth in 2025, driven primarily by women's footwear, the largest category overall. Retail volumes of footwear reached 126 million units, representing 2% growth from 2024, while value sales increased by 3% to total AUD6.2 billion. Polarisation was a strong trend, leaving mid-tier brands to struggle. The category is expected to continue growing, driven by technological innovation and sustainable practices.

Apparel accessories in Australia is experiencing significant polarisation, with premium and budget brands outperforming mid-tier brands. In 2025, the retail value reached AUD814 million, representing 4% growth. This trend is driven by affluent consumers seeking quality and exclusivity, as well as price-sensitive shoppers looking for affordable options. The category is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 5% to reach AUD1,054 million by 2030. Key drivers include the rise of e-commerce, techn

Hosiery in Australia experienced steady 3% growth in 2025, driven by Generation Z's demand for sustainable and value-driven products, reaching sales of AUD673 million. This growth, coupled with a more positive outlook for the forecast period, indicates an attractive market. The dominance of non-sheer hosiery and the rapid growth of e-commerce are key trends. Brands that embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and digital engagement are poised for growth. The landscape is expected to consolidate fur

Jeans in Australia demonstrated resilience in 2025, with 2% growth in retail volume terms to reach 25.3 million units and a 3% increase in retail value sales to AUD2.1 billion, indicating a cautious consumer spending environment. Despite economic volatility and supply chain disruptions, local manufacturing and sustainability trends drove sales for brands like Nobody. The category is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, wi

Sportswear in Australia demonstrated resilience in 2025, with sales reaching AUD8.3 billion, representing 4% growth. This performance is attributed to a stabilising economy, increased health consciousness, and technological advancements in fabric innovation. Sportswear is forecast to continue growing at a CAGR of 6% to reach AUD10.9 billion by 2030, driven by trends such as sustainability, tech-integrated performance wear, and the athleisure phenomenon. Brands that focus on eco-friendly material

Childrenswear in Australia demonstrated resilience in 2025, with 2% value growth to AUD2.8 billion, driven by a slight increase in disposable income and steady growth in the employed female population. The market is characterised by a shift towards the mass value segment, with parents prioritising affordability and durability. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with brands focusing on eco-friendly fabrics and circular models. The distribution of childrenswear is further shifting

Menswear in Australia demonstrated resilience in 2025, with retail value reaching AUD7.6 billion and a growth rate of 4%. The category is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 5% to reach AUD9.7 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for sustainable and ethically produced menswear. Sustainability and inclusivity are key trends shaping menswear, with brands like AXL+CO and Budgy Smuggler leading the way with innovative products and marketing strategies. The market is attractive due to its p

Womenswear in Australia demonstrated resilience in 2025, with growth in both retail volume and current value terms, driven by a rising employed female population and increasing consumer preference for sustainable and ethically produced fashion. The category is expected to continue growing, driven by sustainability and digitalisation. To succeed, brands should prioritise sustainability, technological innovation, and omnichannel retail, leveraging trends such as circular fashion models, AI-driven

Apparel and footwear in Australia experienced modest value growth and limited volume recovery in 2025, driven by market polarisation and influenced by economic factors such as inflation and consumer confidence. Despite economic pressures, the market remains attractive due to growing disposable incomes, and a shift towards sustainable and technologically advanced practices. Many local consumers are either trading down to affordable options or investing in premium brands, while there is also a gro

Fresh food in Australia posted modest total volume growth over the year, aided partly by weaker inflation in 2025. Consumer purchasing behaviour was heavily shaped by affordability, as cost of living pressures remained high, resulting in downtrading across multiple categories. Health and nutrition were key factors driving demand with sustainability also bearing a stronger influence on product choices. Supermarkets reinforced their dominant position in fresh food with improved price transparency

Consistent demand for affordable and versatile protein has supported volume sales of meat, with consumers leaning heavily towards chicken and lower-cost cuts amid cost of living pressures. Hampered by price sensitivity and ingredient scrutiny, the future growth of meat alternatives depends on its deeper integration into mainstream consumption patterns.

Backed by a more staple supply of fruit, demand for fresh fruit remained strong over 2025. In addition to maintaining fair prices, retailers embraced a range of strategic tactics to incentivise purchase with positive effect. Health and wellness were primary sales drivers, with fruit positioned as a natural snack and a sugar-savvy alternative to confectionery.

Australians are increasingly drawn to nuts for their nutritional benefits and natural qualities, making them a healthier alternative to ultra-processed snacks. Public initiatives have proved to be instrumental in driving awareness of their health positioning, shining a spotlight on both fibre and protein value.

Household demand for starchy roots in Australia remained strong over 2025, with consumer reliance on this meal staple as a cost-effective solution in everyday meals. Heath-driven cooking occasions underpinned sales of sweet potatoes. Volatile weather placed restrictions on retail supply, placing upward pressure on prices during key trading periods.