Vodafone to open shops in 60 Myer stores

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 22 August 2007 10:02

IT Industry - Deals

Vodafone Australia has signed a retail agreement with Myer that will see 60 new Vodafone stores opening within Myer retail premises around Australia over the next two years.

Vodafone says the deal is "part of its aggressive retail expansion strategy that will see Vodafone virtually double its retail presence in Australia within two years." Vodafone presently has 170 'core' stores and its recent deal with Crazy Johns (which terminated its 16 year reseller deal with Telstra at the end of June in favour of one with Vodafone) added another 105.

The first 'Vodafone in Myer' store opened at Chermside, Queensland, on August 22. It will be followed by 19 other similar stores before Christmas at Myer locations around Australia as the two companies "fast-track their new store fit-out program to meet the all-important pre-Christmas trading period." The next one to open will be in Myer's flagship store at Lonsdale Street, Melbourne on 19 September.

Myer CEO, Bernie Brookes, said: "This is a new direction for Myer that allows us to meet our customers' burgeoning interest in mobile products, services and content that complements fashion tastes and lifestyle needs." Vodafone Australia CEO, Russell Hewitt, said: "[This deal] opens up a premier, new retail environment that gives us prime exposure to Myer customers, who typically seek out stylish, high-quality products...We're creating new, retail experiences for customers, which, in this case, positions Vodafone as the ultimate fashion and lifestyle accessory for discerning customers."