Metcash’s Independent supermarket chain IGA announced the launch of its online service. In a space long dominated by Coles and Woolworths, IGA’s new offer comes after the launch of Priority shop introduced amid the pandemic.
IGA introduced Priority Shop as a special service for the elderly and vulnerable along the lines of Coles COPS (Coles Online Priority Service). Although the IGA Priority Shop was only available to the elderly and vulnerable, the IGA Shop is available to every customer.
Being an independent supermarket chain, the online shop is different from Coles and Woolworths. The prices online are only indicative while the actual prices are fixed by the independent grocer/store of the location.
Liquor eCommerce on Shop My Local
Earlier this month, Metcash retailers joined hands to launch shopmylocal.com.au taking liquor store online. Independent Brands Australia (IBA), Australia’s second-largest network of liquor retail outlets, launched Shop MyLocal in partnership with Marketplacer, within three months in development.
Since the launch of the site, over 150 stores Australia-wide have come onto the ShopMyLocal platform with the ability to scale up quickly, as hundreds more come on board in the next couple of months.
New Normal
The COVID-19 driven changes in the shopping behaviour are influencing leading retailers’ decisions on going online and enhancing their digital initiatives.
Wesfarmers recently announced strengthening its digital offerings leveraging its Catch marketplace. In a message reinforcing its focus in digital, Kmart group recruited former Amazon VP to lead its online marketplace.
Announcing the appointment of Pete Sauerborn to Catch, the Kmart Group MD Ian Bailey said:
“We are really thrilled to have someone as experienced and qualified in eCommerce and online shopping as Pete to lead Catch through its next exciting phase of growth.”
Supermarket chain Coles recently announced creating a new executive position Chief Executive, eCommerce reporting to CEO of Coles group Steven Cain. Coles lured former Walmart VP Ben Hassing to lead its eCommerce initiative.
The trend to embrace the digital alternative is only getting stronger bridging the gap between click and brick as revealed by IGA’s online channel.
