80% of Melbourne Shoppers Value Speed Over Price in 2025
Retailers across Melbourne are investing in faster last-mile furniture delivery as consumers prioritise speed, reliability, and convenience over price.
Melbourne, VIC — [11-09-25] — A new shift in consumer behaviour is shaking up the retail sector. Research shows that 80% of Melbourne shoppers in 2025 now prioritise delivery speed over price, particularly when buying bulky items like furniture. For retailers, this signals that fast, reliable last-mile delivery has become the deciding factor in whether customers return—or walk away.
Delivery Speed Has Become the New Price
The days when discounts were enough to win customers are fading. Today, convenience and immediacy matter more:
- Immediacy is non-negotiable. Australian shoppers have grown accustomed to fast service across sectors. Furniture buyers expect the same—even if it costs more.
- Reputation is fragile. Data shows that 64% of shoppers would abandon a retailer after a single bad delivery experience.
- Competition is heating up. Retailers investing in faster fulfilment are outpacing rivals who still rely on traditional, slower logistics.
Last Mile Furniture delivery sits at the centre of this challenge. Unlike clothing or electronics, these large, high-value items demand careful handling, predictable scheduling, and often, assembly at the customer’s home.
The Scale of the Shift
Recent reports highlight the urgency of improving last-mile performance:
- Delivery windows are shrinking. While the quoted average stands at 5.6 days, actual average delivery times have dropped to just 2.2 days.
- Fewer delays. Australian delivery delays have halved from 15.7% of orders in 2022 to just 7.7% in 2024.
- Market growth is explosive. The global last-mile delivery sector is forecast to hit $200.95 billion in 2025, and in Australia it is projected to expand at over 14% annually through 2032.
These figures confirm that retailers are under pressure to invest in faster and more dependable last-mile systems—or risk being left behind.
How Retailers Are Responding
Forward-thinking retailers are turning delivery from a cost centre into a competitive advantage. Some of the strategies gaining traction include:
- Ship-from-store models. Local outlets double as mini distribution hubs, allowing faster dispatch and reducing reliance on central warehouses.
- Same-day delivery partnerships. Major chains like Bunnings have partnered with Uber Direct to provide evening delivery for orders placed by mid-afternoon, including in regional areas.
- Technology upgrades. GPS tracking, flexible delivery slots, and real-time communication are increasingly expected by customers.
For furniture buyers, these innovations provide assurance that their purchases will arrive quickly, safely, and with optional services like assembly and packaging removal.
Melbourne as a Test Case
Melbourne has become a focal point for last-mile innovation. Local companies are trialling:
- GPS-tracked fleets to ensure accountability.
- White-glove delivery options with in-home placement and setup.
- Flexible delivery windows designed around customer schedules, not just carrier convenience.
These practices are helping Melbourne retailers and logistics partners align with changing expectations while maintaining cost control.
“To deliver furniture is to deliver trust. In today’s fast-moving world, every minute saved in delivery builds confidence. That’s why we invest in smarter, GPS-tracked logistics and on-time execution—because for Melburnians buying big, bulky items, when it arrives matters as much as what it costs.” founder of Move My Stuff was quoted.
His words highlight a broader reality, reliability and speed are now inseparable in the customer’s mind.
What It Means for Retailers
The message for businesses is clear:
- Speed drives loyalty. Customers will pay more if it means getting their purchases faster.
- Service is a differentiator. Retailers that offer seamless delivery—from online checkout to in-home setup—will stand apart.
- Efficiency creates value. Smarter routing and fulfillment reduce costs while boosting satisfaction.
For consumers, these developments mean greater convenience and peace of mind. For retailers, they represent an opportunity to win repeat business by rethinking delivery as part of the product experience itself.
Looking Ahead
With 80% of Melbourne shoppers ranking delivery speed above price, last-mile fulfilment has moved from the backroom to the boardroom. Retailers that embrace faster, more customer-centric delivery models will be best positioned to capture loyalty in 2025 and beyond.
About Move My Stuff
Located in Melbourne, Move My Stuff has delivered over 300,000+ successful moves across Australia over the past 15 years. The company specialises in customer-focused logistics, offering GPS-tracked vehicles, flexible delivery options, and full furniture services including assembly and packaging removal.
Media Contact:
Alisah
Move My Stuff
Email: admin@movemystuff.com.au
