He was dragged kicking and screaming but Gerry Harvey has at last joined the swollen ranks of online retailers.
Harvey Norman’s new e-commerce site went live last week and newspaper reports put the first day’s takings from online sales at around $50,000.
Harvey told The Australian newspaper that the system of customers collecting their purchases from stores had already paid dividends with one customer, who ordered $50 of goods online, visiting a store to spend another $300.
Harvey said the company’s franchisees "loved" the online venture as they received proceeds from online sales based on a purchaser's postcode.
Franchisees – managers of stores and large departments within stores – also pay a fee for the online service.In announcing the online venture earlier this year, Harvey said he expected the venture to bring in “millions”.
In previous years, Harvey was openly ambivalent about investing in an e-commerce site but has since been swayed to take the plunge by his own staff and the increasing popularity of online shopping, particularly via overseas retailers.
Harvey told The Australian that the company may review its local advertising strategy in the event of its e-commerce business expanding internationally.
Harvey Norman is one of Australia’s largest advertisers, spending an estimated $130 million a year on print, radio, TV, catalogues and sponsorships.
Harvey Norman Online is operated by The eCommerce Agency Pty Ltd, which the company describes as an independent franchisee.
50% off photo deal
Harvey Norman’s Photo Centre site is currently offering 50% off all photo merchandise, including posters, photo books, calendars and gifts. The offer ends December 12.
Article first published at www.photoimagingnews.com.au