Australia Post Katherine manager Sherri Williams said the post office notices spikes at Christmas, Easter and the Katherine Cup.

“At this time of year it is very important to our local customers who have ordered outfits, shoes or fascinators and the likes online in time for the races,” Ms Williams said.

“We do see an increase in the number of parcels that come through the post at this time of the year which we can only put down to people ordering online for the racing event.”

A young woman told Katherine Times she always shops online because she has trouble finding affordable outfits in town.

“I ordered my race day outfit online because there is obviously a much better range than in the shops in Katherine,” she said. 

“I ordered my dress a bit late so I'm quite worried it won't arrive in time.”

Last month the Katherine Times spoke to main street retailers who said they had been feeling the pinch from online shopping.