The time is right for the launch of e-commerce site says The Warehouse

The Warehouse’s CEO, Ian Morrice, today announced The Warehouse’s website is now e-commerce enabled. New Zealanders can start enjoying great bargains from The Warehouse on-line, as well as in-store.

The company believes the time is right for this new channel offering, with 77 percent of New Zealanders aged 18yrs+ now regularly using the internet, 67 percent of all customers researching online, and an estimated 1.4 million shopping online. Despite the growth in online shopping penetration, the New Zealand online retail offering remains relatively untapped. Approximately 20% of New Zealanders online spend is going to international retailers.

Says Morrice: “New Zealand consumers want to shop The Warehouse online, and we are excited to announce the launch of our ecommerce website. We are starting with the top selling products in several of the most popular online categories – namely books, music, movies, gaming and gift cards. Electronics and jewellery will be introduced shortly with additional products and categories rolling out over the coming months and into 2010.

The Warehouse trialled gift cards online at Christmas last year and were pleased with the results, particularly from New Zealanders overseas buying gifts for friends and family back home”.

International research shows that multichannel retailers are enjoying success in overseas markets. Effectively leveraging their bricks and mortar investment gives multichannel retailers a real advantage in the online space. It’s extensive network of stores and the fact that it is one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands, means The Warehouse is well placed to build a great multichannel offering for customers.

Ends.


Notes to Editors

The Warehouse is now selling the following product categories online:
o Books, DVDs, CDs, Gaming Software, Gift Cards
· Coming soon:
o Jewellery
o Electronics
· Further product categories will continue to be added
· Delivery charge is $5.99 and is delivery is only available within New Zealand at present
· Customers have two choices for returning product:
o Return via mail for direct credit
o Return to any store for direct credit or cash back