First to offer Kiwis multiple payment options online

MEDIA RELEASE
16 October 2012

Home Direct first to offer Kiwis multiple payment options online through new shopping website

New Zealand’s leading direct selling retailer Home Direct has launched the first online shopping website to offer Kiwis a range of payment options including credit applications and approval online.

The growth of Home Direct and the expected increase in business from the nationwide online channel has seen the creation of 15 new jobs and a major extension to the East Tamaki warehouse more than doubling the floor space.

With 1.9 million New Zealanders now buying online[1] www.homedirect.co.nz has been established to provide convenient at home shopping where customers can purchase a wide range of products and choose from a range of payment options.

Home Direct’s general manager Jodi Comrie says the retailing sector has evolved over the past 40 years since the company began and the online service is part of that progression. Customers can select products through the website in addition to the company’s phone, catalogue and mobile shop services.

“Online shopping is a fast growing part of the retail landscape and appeals to many people for varying reasons. We provide a range of products to customers seeking the convenience, affordability and payment options to suit their personal circumstances,” she says.

The business was established in 1973 and has enjoyed a successful 40 years of trading. Over the last five years Home Direct has developed into a national leader in multi-channel direct retailing.

The popularity of online shopping looks set to continue to grow in New Zealand. Online represents 5.9 per cent of New Zealand retail sales, up from 5.1 per cent in 2011. The greater variety and choice of goods, increase in smartphones and tablet devices, an increased sophistication and digital awareness across all age groups are some of the reasons for this growth[2].

“We know nearly a quarter of online spend is for goods purchased from overseas, however with the increase in local businesses such as ours providing an online retail offering more of that spend will be retained in New Zealand,” says Ms Comrie.

Nearly 2,000 products are available, with a view to double this online over the next six months, at affordable prices providing customers a one stop shop where they can buy a range of products.

The website sells essential items such as toiletries, clothing, bedding, towels, washing machines, and furniture, to the extras that make life enjoyable such as toys, televisions, computers and mobile phones. The only products you cannot buy are food and beverages.

Customers can choose from a range of payment options to suit individual circumstances. Customers that want product quickly can pay by debit card, credit card, hire purchase or revolving line of credit. Customers who are happy to wait to receive their product and pay for it in instalments over a period of time can choose the interest free layby option.

“Our online store will appeal to people who are time poor and appreciate the ease and convenience of shopping from their computer screen,” says Ms Comrie.

Home Direct offers its Home Direct Lifestyle Account customers (revolving credit account holders) free delivery nationwide. For credit card or debit card customers Home Direct charges a flat rate of $5 for delivery anywhere in New Zealand. Hire purchase and layby purchases will incur a freight cost depending on the product size and where a customer lives in New Zealand.

[1] Australian and New Zealand online shopping market and digital insights, July 2012. http://www.pwc.co.nz/industries/retail-and-consumer/publications/australian-new-zealand-online-shopping-market-digital-insights/

[1] Australian and New Zealand online shopping market and digital insights, July 2012. http://www.pwc.co.nz/industries/retail-and-consumer/publications/australian-new-zealand-online-shopping-market-digital-insights/

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