Chris Hitchen, CEO Getprice
In response to Patrick Stafford
Tuesday, 16 December 2008

Neither Gerry Harvey, nor wife and Harvey Norman's operating boss Katie Page are stupid. Far from it, they have been proven to be shrewd investors, retailers and landlords. The fact that Harvey Norman does not sell online has more to do with a perception of not needing to (understandable given their $2.35bn or so of revenue); as well as the perception that online would force their retail prices down; and the need to be seen to be protecting their franchisees than it does with their heads being completely stuck in the sand. It is by no means a simple decision to start selling online, but contrary to what Gerry says, there are compelling reasons to do so. You've got to love the irony in Gerry saying last month that "Good retailers are the ones who reassess everything." The time has come Gerry!

www.digitalministry.com.au
Chris Hitchen
6 November 2007

Online retail in Australia continues to grow from a low base, with a little over 4% of all retail in Australia conducted online. However after a couple of false starts, it is yet to hit the long-awaited tipping point, and is unlikely to do so until several factors come together to create the right environment.