By Shivaun Hales

Australian consumers are continuing to source the best deals online, with a new survey of 25 million people indicating fewer consumers are buying from Australian companies.

According to a survey from Experian Marketing Services tracking the online behaviour of anonymous Australian shoppers.

The research found half of all online department stores visited by Australians are based overseas, 31 of the top 100 sites in the apparel and accessories are based overseas, and these numbers are growing rapidly.

The apparel category recorded a 29.58% increase in total visits from 35.2 million to 49.9 million between November 2010 and November 2011.

Experian general manager Matt Glasner said the research proves the trend of Australians sourcing the best value products overseas, and explains why Australian retailing is struggling.

Australian online retailer OzSale.com.au managed to capture the majority of the market share based on visits at 7.73% in November, with shoppers stayed on the site an average 6.35 minutes.

Overseas site ASOS holds the number three position in terms of market share, generating interest with its free global shipping offer, returns and broad product range.