By Aimee Chanthadavong

Growing market focus on internet usage and smartphone innovations are underlying reasons behind why Perth pizza lovers are more likely to order pizza online compared to other Australians.

According to pizza chain Eagle Boys, almost a quarter of store sales in Perth are now coming from online orders compared to a national online ordering sales averaging 15 per cent.

Eagle Boys CEO Todd Clayton told Retailbiz Perth residents are finding the convenience in integrating new technology into their lifestyles.

“As with most consumers, Eagle Boys' Perth customers are looking for convenient ways to perform everyday tasks that fit in with their busy lifestyles – online ordering is one way of satisfying consumers’ growing appetite for convenience,” he said.

During the past two months, Perth residents have ordered over 650,000 pizzas online and as a result, the company is constantly reviewing its technology, Clayton said.

“Eagle Boys Pizza recognises that innovation is what is required to stay ahead of the game and satisfy Australian pizza lovers into the future.  We place great importance on integrating technology into our business practices, like launching our Online Training College and Marketing Ecosystem initiatives recently, both aimed at empowering our dedicated franchisees to achieve the best,” he said.

“Coupled with our existing online ordering website capability, and new Windows Phone 7 Eagle Boys Pizza App, technology is proving an important factor in driving Eagle Boys sales. 

“Customers prefer to order their Eagle Boys Pizzas via a variety of avenues – technology innovations will continue to play an important role in satisfying customers’ online tendencies while continuing to integrate these with conventional ordering methods.”

The Eagle Boys Pizza App was one of the first Australian pizza makesr to take advantage of the Windows Phone 7 platform by introducing the smartphone’s first pizza store application in October this year.

A second version of the application will be released in early 2011 and will offer online ordering capabilities and special features, which are set to rival competitor mobile applications and further boost Eagle Boys online ordering sales.

The Eagle Boys Pizza Apps form part of a $3 million technological initiative, which has so far helped boost sales, Clayton said.

“Coupled with our continual menu improvements and updates, technology innovations have assisted in driving Eagle Boys sales – we experienced a 15 per cent boost in sales to September this year and project another impressive year given more technology initiatives will be launched in the new year.”