Australian e-tailer takes on local FlyingPig

By KARYN SCHERER

Internet-savvy consumers could be in for some shopping bargains this year, with one of Australia's most ambitious e-tailers confirming it intends to give New Zealand's biggest e-tailer some local competition.

Dstore, which claims the title of Australia's leading online retailer, confirmed yesterday it would launch a New Zealand site next month, a move that will pit it against local online department store FlyingPig.

However, FlyingPig also signalled yesterday that it was ready to fight, revealing it had decided against a partnership with Dstore, and was instead merging with another Australian e-tailer, TheSpot.

The Dstore website will be launched in conjunction with local bricks-and-mortar chain Rebel Sport, and will offer a wide array of goods, including toys, sporting goods, whiteware, music, health products, pet products, videos and DVDs to New Zealand consumers.

Dstore chief executive David Gold said yesterday he was confident the New Zealand version of the site would be able to offer faster delivery times than FlyingPig.

FlyingPig poured scorn on his claims.

Both companies have stated they believe there is room for only one online department store in New Zealand. While both have hinted they are keen to eventually list on the stock exchange, neither has yet made public any sales figures.

Flying Pig chairman Stefan Preston said yesterday that he was delighted with the company's sales so far. FlyingPig's backers include companies with links to Eric Watson - the Pacific Retail Group, Advantage Group and Whitcoulls.

While books account for two-thirds of its sales, it also offers videos, software, stationery and travel, and plans to expand into music, DIY, gifts and wine.

Mr Preston said the deal with TheSpot would enable it to introduce toys, babycare, and health and beauty products before the end of the year. TheSpot operates two websites in Australia, ToySpot.com.au and BeautySpot.com.au.

Links


Dstore

Flying Pig

TheSpot

ToySpot

BeautySpot