E-Briefs

Government speak
NATIONAL: The federal government will host an online retail forum next month encouraging businesses to explore e-tail. The minister for broadband, communications and digital economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, confirmed the event will take place in Sydney on February 18. The forum will include speakers 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 purchasing trends of Australian online consumers. For more: www.dbcde.gov.au/onlineretail.

Liz freshens up
PERTH: Womenswear brand Liz Davenport will debut a new-look website this month. While the womenswear brand currently has a transactional online store, the site currently carries only a handful of garments for sale. The online revamp follows Davenport’s receipt of an Order of the Medal of Australia on Australia Day last month, as well as her label’s 35th birthday in 2010. Other labels under the Davenport Trading Co banner include Davenport Luxury and Davenport Resort.

Bardot revamps
MELBOURNE: Fast fashion chain Bardot has launched a new “content driven” website and online store. The new site allows customers to order from Bardot and Bardot Junior without incurring additional shipping costs. Over 20 new styles will be uploaded to the Bardot e-store each week, with garments now shot on models rather than mannequins. Interactive features include behind-the-scenes videos, a seasonal fashion magazine and trend guides. VIP customers can also use their loyalty cards online to receive a
10 per cent discount on purchases.

Salvos e-tail
NATIONAL: The Salvation Army has debuted its online store with product for sale including garments from Australian labels Kirrily Johnston, Lisa Ho, Natasha Gan and Charlie Brown. The online shop, at salvosstores.salvos.org.au, sells men’s and women’s clothing, women’ accessories and jewellery, as well as other collectables including crockery and linen. Womenswear designer Kirrily Johnston has taken on an ambassador role for the initiative, promoting the store’s vintage product and community
and environmental benefits.