eBay and Woolworths to reinvent the way Australians shop
Shoppers will now be able to collect their eBay orders from Woolworths and BIG W stores
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. 24 February 2015 – eBay Australia and Woolworths Ltd today announced an
Australian first partnership that enables eBay buyers to pick up online purchases in selected
Woolworths and BIG W stores.
Today buyers will be able to choose from more than 40,000 items on eBay and collect orders from
their choice of more than 90 Woolworths and BIG W stores across Sydney and Tasmania, where
the service will initially launch.
The new service launches in response to the growing online retail landscape and consumer
demand. New researchi reveals that one in five online shoppers in Australia buys online at least
once a week, yet almost half (47 per cent) are not permitted to receive personal deliveries at work.
A quarter (23 per cent) have taken holiday or worked from home, in order to receive an online
delivery. Half (49 per cent) re-direct personal online deliveries because they are at work.
With this in mind, eBay and Woolworths have developed a service that will provide the most
convenient delivery network for online shopping in Australia, giving consumers the chance to
choose a collection point that suits their needs.
The partnership is a significant opportunity for retailers, with a surge in purchase frequency
predicted for over two million Australian eBay usersii. This will offer entrepreneurs, and small to
large businesses, the chance to boost their reach and introduce an additional revenue stream.
Hamish Moline, eBay Merchant Development Director, says: “The online retail industry is growing
faster than ever. Last year, Australians spent $16.4 billion in this sector aloneiii. As it continues to
expand, the traditional retail model is evolving and the lines between online and offline blurring.
Consumers now expect a more bespoke experience that meets their needs.
“The new service creates a brand new avenue for our sellers, driving traffic and encouraging a rise
in sales that could change the face of businesses all over the country. Not only that, it’s a service
we hope will revolutionise the way Australians shop, enabling a new and convenient way to get the
things they need and want every day.”
With 91 per cent of Australians living within 10km of a Woolworths store, eBay and Woolworths
project there will be up to 12,000 sellers involved, and additional Woolworths and BIG W stores
included as the service ramps up over the next three years.
Emily Amos, General Manager Woolworths Marketplace: says “Woolworths is Australia’s largest
domestic retailer and we know our customers are busier than ever and are looking for greater
convenience and ease in everything they do. This new service will help them make best use of their
time by removing the need to wait at home for a parcel to arrive.
“This unique partnership will change retailing in Australia. It brings together Woolworths, Australia’s
largest retailer, and eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, to deliver the ultimate in
shopping convenience.”
Hamish Moline concludes: “Convenient delivery options have already proved hugely successful for
eBay UK via a partnership with Argos and we’re looking forward to seeing an equally impressive
uptake in Australia through a partnership that re-imagines retail.”
James Harvey Operations Manager from participating seller Your Home Depot says: “This is a Click
& Collect service like no other and is a fantastic opportunity for us to not only offer a more
convenient way to shop for our current customers but opens us up to an entirely new retail channel.
“Having the opportunity to take advantage of a ready-made national network of physical stores
means it is an exciting time to be a retailer in Australia.”
The new Click & Collect service launches with sellers including Your Home Depot, No Frills, Surf
Stitch, Mytopia, Futu Online and Golfbox. The service will expand to include 250 sellers within two
months.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact: Woolworths Press Office on (02) 8885 1033 or eBay Communications Manager Megan English on 0418 447 040. i
Research conducted in February 2015 by Pure Profile, on behalf of eBay.com.au – a total of 1,000 respondents were
polled
ii
Based on eBay Customer research conducted in November 2014, amongst 1562 eBay users
iii
According to NAB Online Retail Index December 2014 – figured based on the 12 months up to December 2014
About eBay
With more than 150 million active users globally, eBay is the world's largest online marketplace, where
practically anyone can buy and sell almost anything. Founded in 1995, eBay connects a diverse and
passionate community of individual buyers and sellers, as well as small businesses and large retail partners.
eBay’s global vision is to enable commerce. Here in Australia, we are working with thousands of small
merchants all the way through to large branded retailers to help them drive sales and increase market share.
About Woolworths
Woolworths is Australia’s largest supermarket chain and is Australia’s Fresh Food People. Employing more
than 110,000 people, we provide our customers with superior service, range value and convenience.
Woolworths prides itself on working closely with farmers, suppliers and producers to ensure the best products
are available to our customers across the country, all year round.
About BIG W
BIG W is a leader in multi-option retailing and is home to a huge range of Australia’s favourite
brands including, Apple, Bonds, Dyson, Lego, Sony, Samsung, Cadbury, Maybeline and Mambo. BIG W also
stock a wide range of exclusive brands including, Michelle Bridges, House & Home, Contempo, Tinkers, BE the affordable range of technology products for home and office, and Emerson, the fashion brand for the
whole family. BIG W is committed to making it easier for Australian families to live better with the lowest prices
on the best brands every day.