Vinnies Victoria has launched its own online retail platform, expanding into the rapidly growing e-commerce market valued at over $55.1 billion.
The 2024 market valuation comes from IBISWorld, which reports that the online shopping market grew by 5.2 per cent last year. On a compound annual growth rate from 2019 to 2024, the market grew 10.4 per cent. This is projected to grow ahead.
Vinnies Online offers its usual wide variety of products in key categories such as clothing, home decor, electrical, beauty, toys, manchester, tech and entertainment.
The local charity has previously sold select products via online retail platforms, including eBay and Depop, and will now offer its entire online store via one direct web address.
Consumers can now add products to a cart, with options for direct shipping or click-and-collect.
Vinnies Victoria head of merchandise and retail innovation Liz Randle said the move represents a new direction in the charity’s commercial innovation.
"E-commerce now comprises 22 per cent of retail sales, so it was critical to meet customers where they are at,” Randle said. “In this way, we're responding to the needs of our customers and staying relevant to the ever-evolving retail landscape, this way everyone can enjoy the Vinnies shopping experience anytime, anywhere."
Randle added that its customers have been asking for a dedicated shopping option for some time, sparking at the crux of the COVID-19 surge in 2020.
“That period highlighted the vulnerability of relying solely on physical locations for revenue and sparked a realisation, that we needed to evolve – not just to stay relevant – but to ensure we could continue supporting individuals and families in need,” she said.
"We're encouraging our customers to go online and see the exciting new platform we have developed. It will have regular bargains and will include new products, all generously donated by our customers and corporate donors."