In a first for the department store, David Jones will be selling a range of high-end foods at selected ‘exclusive’ convenience stores across the country.
The move is part of the retailer’s bid to diversify its offering and tap into a growing consumer desire for convenience and comes after the retailer announced a profit tumble of 42 per cent.
David Jones has partnered with BP to roll-out the stores, which are aimed at tapping into Australia’s market of on-the-go consumers.
The partnership will see more than 350 David Jones products including locally-sourced, ready-made and fresh meals on offer at selected BP sites in major roads in Melbourne and Sydney – with both companies committing to have the stores operational within 6 months.
The range will include a range of items including sandwiches, sushi , DJ’s popular rotisserie chicken as well as long-life groceries.
The first store will be BP Bayside in Melbourne’s east, which is likely to open later this year.
Brooke Miller, BP Australia vice president sales and marketing said the partnership is a first for the sector and part of the company’s bid to meet changing consumer demands.
“The traditional service station offer of today will not fulfil the retail customer needs of tomorrow. BP’s vision is to transform convenience retailing in Australia, and enhancing our brand via strategic partnerships underpins our strategy to deliver market-leading fuels, technology, rewards and convenience offers to Australian consumers,” Miller said.
“The new stores will invite customers to explore the future possibilities of retail convenience in Australia. Drawing on the very best of each partner, the contemporary design will be ideal for our customers to shop the fresh, vibrant David Jones Food range or enjoy BP’s Wild Bean café.
Pieter de Wet, managing director David Jones Food, said the partnership marks an exciting new chapter for David Jones.
“Consumer behaviour is changing and demand for fresh, food-for-now and food-for-later options continues to grow. Customers expect convenience and quality to go hand in hand, and our collaboration with BP enables us to share the David Jones Food offering with more customers than ever before.”