Westfield to offer virtual shopping

By David Blight | 11 June 2010
 

SYDNEY: Westfield is preparing to enter the world of e-commerce with plans to launch Australia's first virtual shopping centre 10 years after it abandoned similar plans.

Westfield general manager of marketing, John Batistich, confirmed to AdNews that Westfield is undertaking a major new online direction, but declined to comment further.

Batistich refused to be drawn on whether the retail giant will hold a pitch to appoint a digital agency to create the new site, but declined to rule out the possibility. He also declined to comment on how the company plans to promote the new venture to consumers.

The e-commerce site is likely to be fashion led, with other categories set to include electronics and books. Westfield ditched plans to launch a virtual shopping centre 10 years ago, fearing that the venture could cannibalise footfall at Westfield malls.

Australian retailers are increasingly enbracing e-commerce, with Pacific Brands' underwear label, Bonds, recently kicking off a pitch to appoint a digital agency, as reported by AdNews. 

Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au

Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.

comments powered by Disqus