Woolworths has launched free Wi-Fi for customers in 85 stores nationwide, with additional connections planned by early 2018, the JSE-retailer said on Thursday.
The decision to offer Wi-Fi comes on the back of strong growth in the company’s e-commerce platform, it said.
Woolworths has experienced double-digit online sales growth since the start of the holiday season, with over 50% of e-commerce purchases driven through mobile.
“In the South African retail context, customer adoption of e-commerce relating to fashion and food has traditionally been limited,” the company said in a statement. However, it claims that sales in items such as swimwear, beach accessories, table settings, beauty products, children’s clothing, summer dresses and men’s shorts have increased “dramatically”.
It did not provide specific revenue or growth numbers.
“From a foods perspective, online sales in weekly staples such as bread, milk, meat and salads have increased exponentially, as well as holiday season items such as champagne and gifting items.”
To deal with the growth in e-commerce, Woolworths has launched its first dedicated warehouse, referred to as a “dark store”, to provide the storage and delivery of goods ordered online.
“The dark store has also contributed to the drive in online sales due to enhanced product availability coupled with investment in dedicated online stock support,” the company added. — © 2016 NewsCentral Media
