Yellow Octopus is following in Amazon’s footsteps by opening its first brick and mortar store.
The online gift retailer has opened a space in Moorabbin, Victoria showcasing the company’s best-selling products. Customers can check out products before they buy as well as click & collect their online orders.
While many retailers are closing down or entering (voluntary) administration, Yellow Octopus hopes the risky move will pay off.
Founder Derek Sheen says he wants to provide a higher level of customer service, boosting the company’s sales along the way.
“Online will always be our primary focus, however, this omnichannel approach will open up greater flexibility for our customers,” he says.
“We provide a same day shipping option in Melbourne already, but many customers have expressed a desire to pick up their orders. We also understand that many people still want to be able to look at a product, pick it up and feel it before they buy.”
Combining traditional with the technical revolution, Yellow Octopus is also looking to introduce tech solutions that will make the physical shopping experience more streamlined and tie it into the company’s core online offering.
“iPads stationed around the store will allow customers to self-checkout, or save their order to a wish list to complete at home later, in a bid to reduce queues around busy periods such as Christmas.”
And it doesn’t stop there. Over the next 24 months the retailer will roll out an app, smart shelves and some cool in-store VR technology, further driving its tech innovation.
By Marion Gerritsen
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