Edcon has launched its online shopping service, Edgars.co.za. The site went live at the beginning of the week. The initiative represents the first stage in the delivery of the group`s wide-reaching e-business strategy.
Commenting on the new site, Steve Ross, chief executive of Edcon, says: "The value for shareholders lies in our ability to lead the pack in a fast changing environment where e-business is increasingly becoming the norm.
"Edgars.co.za is an important component of Edcon`s e-business strategy which encompasses suppliers, customers, the internal business environment as well as industry-wide developments like retail hubs and exchanges. In terms of profitability, we do not see the business to customer component in isolation as its success will add value throughout the supply chain.
"By launching www.edgars.co.za, our intention is to create a seamless online/offline service offering for our customers."
"Thanks to its established infrastructure and customer base, Edcon is well-placed to use the `clicks and mortar` model to leverage competitive advantage in the South African market," says Brad Coward, the group strategic project executive who led the project team.
The new site, which has been developed with Andersen Consulting and The Jupiter Drawing Room, offers a quick, "three-click" navigation standard. Local technological limitations such as bandwidth and browser capability have been addressed and the technology has been extensively tested.
Payment for goods can be made using any major credit card or with the range of Edcon store cards. Encryption technology has been used to ensure maximum security for personal financial information and this is supported by an authentication procedure.
Customers have three delivery options to anywhere in SA: two days to door, five days to door, or seven-day self pick-up at an Edgars store of choice. Weekend delivery is also an option.
Edgars currently has a 5 million strong customer base and 3.5 million account holders. Those customers who choose to shop with www.edgars.co.za can also take advantage of patented service offerings such as the "The Decision Maker" and "The Edgars Assistant", as well as a free gift-wrapping and messaging service for all purchases.
"Edcon sees this B2C [business-to-customer] initiative as the foundation for a number of future opportunities, including taking other stores within the group online and developing international payment and fulfilment capabilities," notes Coward.
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