Originally published: SMBtech, 6 June 2025
More Australians are gearing up to take part in End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales, with new PayPal research showing that 71 per cent plan to shop this June, almost double the 38 per cent who said the same last year.
The spike in participation is being driven by cost-of-living pressures, with many consumers seeing major sales events as a key strategy for managing household budgets.
Rising Costs Drive Bargain-Hunting Behaviour
According to PayPal’s findings, 76 per cent of Australians say inflationary pressures have made them more likely to shop during discount periods. A further 85 per cent say they are more price conscious now than five years ago.
Cathy Jamieson, Head of Consumer Research at PayPal Australia, said the data reflects a shift in how Australians approach spending.
“This EOFY, Australians are proving that bargain-hunting is more than just a habit – it’s a strategy for navigating economic tensions,” Jamieson said.
“Three quarters of Australians say that online sales events can help them manage cost of living pressures. While sales can be a great way to save money on things you need or already intend to buy, it’s important to plan purchases and set budgets to avoid impulse buys and overspending.”
The 2025 EOFY research was based on an online study conducted by YouGov with a sample of 1,044 Australians aged 18 to 75. The 2024 comparative data came from a study conducted by Pureprofile with 1,000 respondents. Both surveys were weighted for national representation.
