Toowoomba CBD store offers ‘virtual tours’ for customers

FACED with the reality of customers staying away from their store, Donna Mills and Alexandria Cook decided to take the shop experience online.

FACED with the reality of customers staying away from their store in Grand Central Shopping Centre due to coronavirus, Donna Mills and Alexandria Cook decided to take the shop walk-through experience online.

The co-owners of Florence and Marabel announced they would give residents a virtual shopping experience, with customers invited to contact them and set up video chats over social media.

Ms Mills said the new addition would add to the store's already strong online presence, letting people check out outfits in the shop without having to step into the centre.

"As far as the government is concerned, shopping centres are still open, (but) our sales have fallen dramatically," she said.

"There were whispers of this dramatic shutdown that has started last week, and we suspected it was going to be a gradual process.

"Customers can either direct message us on Instagram, email us or phone us.

"We then Facetime them at the arranged time.

"We can provide information on sizing, fabrics and other details."

Ms Mill said the new service was essential to keep the business viable, after the sudden cancellation of major events led to a big drop in sales.

For more information, head to the store website or follow it on Facebook or on Instagram.