Amazon unveils new parcel pick-up service with Myer partnership

Myer has announced a new partnership with online retailer Amazon in what the retail giant is calling a “win-win” for customers.

Amazon shoppers will be able to click-and-collect their online orders from Myer from next Wednesday after the two retail giants partnered up to make online shopping even more accessible to consumers.

Myer has announced a partnership with Amazon Australia’s Amazon Hub – a network of Amazon parcel pick-up points located at Myer click-and-collect counters.

Twenty-one Myer stores across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia will offer customers access to the pick-up points from mid-next week.

There are plans to expand Amazon Hub points into further Myer stores, including Myer’s regional store locations, in time for Christmas.

More customers are turning to online shopping. Picture: iStock

The new offering gives Amazon shoppers access to Myer’s product range as well as its click-and-collect locations, giving customers more choice and convenience, according to Myer’s chief customer officer Geoff Ikin.

In Melbourne, while Myer stores are closed due to stage 4 restrictions, the click-and-collect services are still available.

“This partnership is about combining our services to create greater convenience for our customers. It’s solution-led thinking for time-poor customers, who can access Myer’s great range of services and brands that we believe Amazon customers will take advantage of when collecting their parcel,” Mr Ikin said.

“For the customer, for Myer and for Amazon, it’s a win-win scenario,” he said.

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More shoppers are turning to online. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The partnership bridges the online and bricks-and-mortar shopping experiences even further at a much-needed time.

“Given the current restrictions that Australians are experiencing, and with many customers rightly concerned about multiple trips to fulfil their shopping needs, Myer is uniquely placed to offer easy access and parking, and a safe environment where customers can shop our range of products and services, as well as now collect their Amazon purchases at 21 selected locations,” Mr Ikin said.

“This will mean more customers coming into store, more regularly, to collect their Amazon parcel or Myer purchases … offering a one-stop-shop that integrates the online and offline worlds.”

Australian retailers have recorded online sales surges as COVID-19 has changed the way people shop.

Online sales have surged during the pandemic. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The recent earnings season which has seen retailers announce their profits and losses for the financial year has well and truly confirmed Australian shoppers are buying online more than ever amid the pandemic, highlighting the importance of a strong e-commerce strategy for any business.

Coles’ online services such as click-and-collect almost doubled in capacity this year, while rival Woolworths saw online sales surge almost 42 per cent.

Bunnings owner Wesfarmers posted an 8.2 per cent full-year profit rise after enjoying a 60 per cent jump in online sales, with the recent acquisition of digital department store Catch proving a smart move.

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Amazon is an e-commerce leader. Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP

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“Since launching Amazon.com.au in 2017, we’ve committed to making e-commerce rooted in low prices, vast selection and convenience a part of everyday life for Australian customers,” Amazon Australia director of operations Craig Fuller said.

“We’re excited now to partner with one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted retailers, Myer, to provide customers around Australia with new and alternative delivery locations for their orders.

“Not only does it provide our customers with more control, but it enables them to enjoy a quick and simple pick-up experience at Myer’s network of conveniently located stores.

“Amazon Hub will allow Myer customers to order from a catalogue of millions of products on Amazon, and have them ready for collection at Myer’s well-known store locations.”

With the surge in online retail, it’s no wonder Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is the world’s richest man, with a net worth that has quickly grown to $204.6 billion.