“World’s largest Officeworks” officially opens in Australia
<p>Officeworks has launched its biggest store yet in Australia and it has been dubbed the “megaworks” of all the office supply chain stores.</p>
<p>At nearly 6,500 square metres, the new store in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Mentone in Victoria, is at least four times the size of an average Officeworks store.</p>
<p>With over 35,000 different products, including a 3D print and copy centre and items that were only available online – the newest Officeworks has become a hub that supports shopping online as well as in store.</p>
<p>Officeworks’ Corporate Affairs and Brand Manager, Alex Staley, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/a-current-affair-officeworks-super-store-open-melbourne-latest-news-australia/d380c7c7-e10b-4d5c-a809-5ab7ab73ce00" target="_blank">A Current Affair</a> the new store will complement the business’ online presence, which makes up about 20 per cent of all sales.</p>
<p>“When you're shopping online you need to know what you want, but we still know a lot of our customers want to come in and actually see the product, touch the product and interact with the product,” Ms Staley explained.</p>
<p>The newest store in Melbourne will act as a distribution centre for the city’s south-east suburbs, ensuring some online purchases are delivered within the same day.</p>
<p>The superstore, which is similar to a “warehouse,” says Australian Retailers Association Executive Director Russell Zimmerman, could be a buffer against online retailers.</p>
<p>“There are opportunities for retailers to use space, if they can get it at the right price and then use it as a warehouse-type setting so they can actually carry more product and then use the online capability to deliver it,” Mr Zimmerman said.</p>
<p>However, Officeworks' decision to create a megastore comes at a time where big retailers are opening smaller stores in order to keep up with costs and make convenience a priority for shoppers.</p>
<p>“Australia has one of the dearest rents in the world for retail floor space so they will look to reduce their size for that reason,” he said.</p>
<p>“But equally so we are seeing an incredible growth in online and the need to have as many shops and as big shops is probably becoming more important in reduction.” </p>
<p>Will you be visiting the new massive Officeworks store in Melbourne? Let us know in the comments below.</p>