Myer rehires 2000 staff due to online sales soaring by 800 per cent

The retail sector has been devastated by the national shutdown aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus but a profitable trend has emerged.

Myer’s booming online business during the coronavirus-induced national shutdown has allowed the department store to rehire 2000 workers.

When the pandemic took hold and forced Australia’s population indoors, the major retailer joined a long list of chains to announce mass closures and stood down 10,000 workers.

RELATED: Kmart, DJ’s online services slammed

RELATED: Genius companies thriving in lockdown

RELATED: ‘Disturbing’ figures reveal business shock

But the company has reported a significant spike in its online operations in recent weeks, with overall sales from the internet rising by a staggering 800 per cent during a Saturday-only sales event over Easter.

The beauty segment was particularly successful with a leap of 7000 per cent, while children's wear was up 140 per cent and menswear jumped 160 per cent.

Myer has successfully captured a rise in online sales since the shutdown was enforced. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The boost in online revenue and increased demand has allowed the company to rehire a significant portion of the workforce it was forced to lay off, chief customer officer Geoff Ikin said.

“Our motivated and experienced team have been able to respond quickly to ensure that we remain competitive and highly connected to our customers,” he said in a statement provided to news.com.au.

“The success of our online business is testament to their hard work and ability to overcome new challenges.

“With our continued focus on online, it has allowed us to bring back more than 2000 team members into our workforce to assist with our online fulfilment during this very busy time.”

Mr Ikin said Myer has focused on customer service and consumer satisfaction by aiming to deliver items “as quickly as possible”.

“We’ve also reduced our free delivery threshold to $49 and have relaxed our returns policy to give customers peace of mind with any purchase they make over this coming period.”