More Australians are changing their weekday routines, opting to skip the pre-work coffee and breakfast in favor of saving up for weekend indulgences. This shift in spending habits comes as a result of the evolving work landscape due to the rise of hybrid work models and the increasing cost of living in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Data from Square, a digital payments platform, reveals a decline in purchases at food and drink establishments during weekday breakfast hours, contrasting with an uptick in transactions during weekend brunch periods. This trend signifies a shift in how Australians prioritize their expenses, with a focus on indulging in experiences that hold more value to them, such as leisure activities or dining out with loved ones.
Michel Dubois, the owner of Melbourne-based eateries Roule Galette and Croque Monsieur, has observed this trend firsthand, noting a significant drop in sales during weekdays compared to increased demand on weekends. The economic strain, including soaring energy costs, has made it challenging for businesses like his to raise menu prices, as customers are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis.
Analysis by Square shows that Melbourne has experienced a more than 5% decrease in weekday breakfast transactions, while weekend brunch volumes have surged by 4% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Similarly, in Sydney, weekday breakfast transactions have dipped by 2.4%, but weekend brunch transactions have seen a 1.6% increase.
This shift in consumer behavior is not isolated but reflects broader changes in post-pandemic spending habits across Australia. Many households are adopting a “trading down” mindset, opting for cheaper supermarket brands and reallocating their dining budgets from mid-tier restaurants to fast-food options.
With more employees working remotely and preparing their meals at home, cafes and eateries that traditionally catered to the office crowd are now seeking innovative ways to adapt. Some establishments are exploring new revenue streams, such as evening services, grocery sales, or special promotions, to offset the decline in weekday foot traffic.
As Australians navigate the cost-of-living challenges, venues are responding by offering incentives like happy hours, weeknight specials, and early bird discounts to attract patrons during off-peak hours. This strategy aims to provide customers with greater value for their money and encourage socializing in a more budget-conscious manner.
While overall spending at cafes and casual dining spots has decreased, there has been a rise in fine dining expenditures, suggesting that people are still willing to splurge on special occasions. This trend may also reflect the increasing disposable income of older generations, who have benefited from interest rate hikes and have more discretionary spending power.
Lola Chatainier, manager of Croque Monsieur and Roule Galette, echoes the sentiment of shifting customer behaviors, noting a decline in weekday traffic but a surge in weekend patronage. Customers are willing to wait for a table on weekends, emphasizing the importance of social experiences and quality time spent with friends and family.
In conclusion, as Australians navigate changing work dynamics and economic pressures, their dining habits are evolving, with a focus on prioritizing experiences that hold personal significance while seeking value for their spending in a challenging financial climate.
📰 Related Articles
- Versatile Beauty Products for Women Over 40 Simplify Skincare Routines
- Effective Beauty Products for Over 50s Transform Skincare Routines
- £2M Home Owners Win Legal Battle Over Football Nuisance
- runDisney Unveils Magical Finisher Medals for 2025 Marathon Weekend
- runDisney Marathon Weekend: Fitness, Family, and Magical Memories