Australian retailers are being encouraged to explore online business options by Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy.
Conroy will be hosting an Online Retail Forum in Sydney on 18 February 2011 to identify the benefits and challenges of online retail and possible solutions.
“Providing an online information and sales channel is clearly an important part of any discussion about the future of Australian retail,” he said.
“Buying and selling online can deliver benefits to Australian businesses in the form of greater efficiencies, broader customer base and increased revenues.
“Shopping online can also deliver benefits to consumers in the form of greater customer satisfaction, better product information and, in some instances, lower prices.
“The reliable, ubiquitous, high-speed broadband that the NBN will deliver will bring more Australians online and allow Australian retailers to expand their market and enhance their online offerings.”
Speakers will include representatives from eBay, PayPal, Shoes of Prey, Gray’s Online, Australia Post, Temando, DHL, Google and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The panel discussion will cover topics such as logistics, and the searching and purchasing trends of Australian online consumers and will be concluded by keynote speaker Minister for Small Business Nick Sherry.
Retailers can attend the event by registering here or they can attend virtually by watching the live webcast, viewing online videos after the event, or by following the #orf11 Twitter hashtag.