Adelaide SMEs are set to boost their revenue through a new citywide digital marketplace launched by Adelaide Economic Development Agency via the City of Adelaide. It is the first of its kind in Australia.
Called byADL, the website brings together more than 60 city retailers with more than 1800 items. AEDA said this is expected to grow.
The byADL platform provides retailers in the CBD and North Adelaide the opportunity to list their products for sale. Its retail mix spans categories such as fashion, health and beauty, jewellery, homewares, toys, and food and beverage. Local fashion brands French Laundry, Nowa The Label, Miss Gladys Sym Choon and Alpaca Shop Australia are listed on the site, including gifts and accessories brands Have You Met Charlie and ASHA Jewellery.
Shoppers can purchase from byADL all in one transaction and receive next day delivery within 50km of the city.
The platform’s commission fees are at 5%, which AEDA said will help fund ongoing maintenance and technical support for sellers. It also integrates with Shopify, so retailers who already sell products online can access an additional sales channel and benefit from the byADL marketing campaign activities.
AEDA MD Ian Hill said the new citywide digital marketplace is a game changer.
“From the city to your door, byADL will provide convenient, 24/7 shopping with next day delivery,” said AEDA MD Ian Hill. “We recognise that shoppers can’t always make it in-store, and trends show shoppers are buying online up to once per week, so byADL takes city retailers to them and offers Adelaide’s next biggest shopping destination on their mobile phone or computer.
“Consumers expect retail to be omnichannel, with more than 50 percent wanting to look at a product online then buy in-store and more than 50 percent wanting to look in-store and buy online.
Hill said the AEDA team has seen strong interest in sign-ups by businesses during the launch phase, with new retailers keen to join.
“Stores on byADL are predominantly small businesses and boutiques, many of which have until now relied on shoppers visiting them in-store. Most also have minimal or no online sales presence.
“Not only is shopping on byADL convenient for consumers but buying from byADL will also support the local economy and reduce delivery miles, as all sales are fulfilled from city businesses.”
French Laundry owner Mia Crescitelli was one of the first to sign up to byADL, giving her Gray Street small business - which does not have an e-commerce website - another revenue stream.
“I am going to have a tablet in the shop purely for byADL.com.au, so shoppers can continue to browse more pieces that aren't on the shop floor,” Crescitelli said.
“I love the whole concept. I've been telling customers about it, and they're all excited. I'm so happy to be a part of it, and hopefully it brings more people to the shop.”
The AEDA has partnered with South Australian-owned and operated businesses Arcadier (technology) and The Courier App (logistics) to develop and operate byADL.
As an introductory offer, all shipping is free on orders over $50 until December 31.