Following the success of its new online offshoot, shoe retailer Wittner has revealed a strategic plan of attack to boost the venture further.
The family-run footwear chain has only just launched Heel Steal, a web platform which features sales offering around 70 per cent off a pair of shoes every 24 hours.
As the flash-sale site has been doing so well, with most products selling out, owner Michael Wittner believes it is time to capitalise on this market, by ramping up its advertising.
As a result the brand is researching and looking at partnering with retailers who have a similar target market to Heel Steal, to run cross promotion ads across various sites.
The site launch follows hot on the heels of the latest retail trade figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which showed that turnover rose in January, as a result of the heavy discounting – suggesting more and more shoppers are seeking bargains.
“Australian retailers need to fight back and get the market share,” Wittner said. “The time is right for established and trusted retailers to arrest back market share from the start-up online marketing brands. Going forward, we will be looking to partner with other retailers who share similar demographics to Heel Steal via exclusive cross promotions and value adds.”
The Heal Steel deals are valid for 24 hours and once the on-screen clock has timed out, the offer expires and the price reverts back to its previous selling price, if it has not sold out.
Black peep-toe suede wedges were going for $49.95, reduced from $139,95, and red glittery heels, with 76 per cent off, had been knocked down from $169.95 and subsequently sold out by the time the deal expired.
There is a flat shipping fee of $14.95 on all orders and returns are subject to credit only.
“The launch has been exceptional and we are very pleased with the acceptance of the site and concept given that we have been focused purely on existing Wittner customers,” Wittner said.
In a bid to boost its customer service the brand has also launched the 'Wittner Guru', a Facebook-based concept which allows customers to raise concerns or queries about the product on a specified Facebook wall. The guru then 'promises' to answer all questions.