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BREAKING NEWS: Harvey Throws Down the Online Gauntlet and Rebrands Clive Peeters
- 10th August
- Power Retail 31
Gerry Harvey changes his tune about online retail and throws down the gauntlet to pure-play retailers, while quietly announcing the rebranding of Clive Peeters.
Prominent Australian businessman Gerry Harvey has finally woken up and smelled the value that online retail can offer, albeit grudgingly. Speaking to A Current Affair about the recently launched Big Buys website, Harvey said that he’s, “not expecting it [Harvey Norman's online offering] to make any money, or if it does, it’ll make a little bit.” Harvey also seemingly threw down the gauntlet to existing online retailers saying, “My prediction is that well over 90% of all those internet companies will not be here within five years.”
In response, Paul Greenberg, Executive Chairman at DealsDirect.com.au and Power Retail contributor told ACA, “We’ve been waiting for ‘uncle Gerry’ to come on board. We’re thrilled to have him! It’s not an easy business, he’s got a lot of work to do, but the space is widening and consumers are shopping online.” 
Gabby Leibovich, the doyen of daily deals and co-founder of Catch of the Day and Scoopon, didn’t hesitate to get a word in via Twitter, responding: “Dear Gerry Harvey, I’m looking forward to selling harvey Norman shares at half price on scoopon and catchoftheday in the near future. Gabby”.
Perhaps last night’s report was in the face of today’s breaking news from the retailer that, ‘the Clive Peeters and Rick Hart brand formats have not achieved the requirement for ongoing investment by the Company’ and that it would be closing seven stores across the country, with the remainder to be converted to Harvey Norman stores. The announcement (on the Clive Peeters website), also states that the company’s e-commerce site will be re-branded under the Harvey Norman umbrella. This is perhaps a smart move for Harvey Norman in building search value for the impending launch of its own e-commerce offering. So when can we expect this challenge to commence… all signs are pointing to late September!
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“The announcement (on the Clive Peeters website), also states that the company’s e-commerce site will be re-branded under the Harvey Norman umbrella” NO IT DOESNT !
Hi Luke, Thanks for pointing that out. At the time of publishing the website did state that it would be re-branded. Regards, Nirosha
My only comment is: Why it took so long for this BIG Australian retailer to realise the power of online? Are they really ‘big minds’ to wipe out 90% of the internet retail companies? We are watching….
Cheers