Amazon’s entry into the Australian marketplace will put significant pressure on Launceston retailers, according to Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose.
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Amazon’s Australian country manager Rocco Braeuniger announced last week that the retail giant will launch its two primary platforms – the traditional Amazon retailer and Amazon Marketplace – in Australia “very soon”.
The company’s retailer platform allows businesses to sell their products wholesale to Amazon, while Amazon Marketplace brings digital buyers and sellers together on a shared platform.
Mr Grose said the chamber will begin to focus on training local retailers to adapt to Amazon’s presence in the retail space.
“In the near future [Amazon] will put the same level of pressure on retail in Launceston as it has around the world,” he said.
It is critical for Australian retailers be prepared, get on board, and step up to the international playing field.
- Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman
“From our members survey one of the things that showed up is businesses want the chamber to facilitate forums on how to deal with disruptive technologies.
“We are planning on running a few seminars early next year, with one or two of our members who have expertise in the area.
“We may also look for expert opinion from the mainland.”
However, executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, said Amazon’s incoming entry is not all doom-and-gloom for Tasmanian retailers.
“It is critical for Australian retailers be prepared, get on board, and step up to the international playing field,” he said.
”With many unique and boutique retailers in Tasmania, Amazon will be a great opportunity for these retailers to increase their market, and offer their products to the 300 million active users already on Amazon’s marketplace.”
Australia Post, meanwhile, has tried to get ahead of the curve with Shipster.
In a service similar to Amazon’s basic offering, subscribers pay a one-off shipping fee every month, and gain access to products from brands such as Cotton On, Culture Kings and MAC.
While the service is not yet available in Tasmania, Australia Post has plans to rollout Shipster nationally.