Oz Resort laps up the online world
It's taken Jacqui Major twenty years, three retail closures and a "relentless" landlord to finally hit the small business jackpot.
Just six months ago, the owner/operator of swimwear business Oz Resort was facing financial ruin after being forced to shut down her Bondi boutique. Now the twenty year industry veteran is finding new life – and dollars – on the world wide web.
"The bottom line is there are not the huge expenses as there are in retail stores – no rent, wages or running costs of a store," she said.
"I can not believe we spent so much money in building stores and pouring our time into those retail stores."
Since launching her website ozresort.com.au three months ago, Major claims she has made more sales online than through her well-known Bondi swimwear store. Today, her web business is trading up to 10 000 hits per week, with an average of 1400 visitors per day.
"We are receiving approximately 10 orders a day and converting these to sales within seven days," she said. "Compared to retail, you could have your store open all day, fully stocked and only make five or six sales. This virtual store is open 24/7 all over the world."
Major said because online stores need minimal staff to receive and pack orders, one computer and a web designer, the profit margin was much higher. While the retailer still owns one boutique in Mosman – which also houses stock for online orders – she has shut down her Ozi Varmits kidswear boutiques in Darling Harbour and Chatswood, instead shifting operations online.
She said search engine customisation and online links between partners such as Seafolly had helped to drive her fledging business. She said most customers were sourced through referrals in magazines and searches through websites such as Google, Nine MSN and Yahoo.
"The more you click on our site, the more we are exposed on those search engines. We will be looking to advertise through banner ads as well as market our site through other media partners."
Brands stocked by ozresort.com.au include Seafolly, Jets, Baku and Moontide.
By Assia Benmedjdoub