Discount Drug Stores (DDS) plans to overhaul its e-commerce operations, with a new look platform to launch in March 2015. The revamp is in response to the increasing demand of customers seeking customised content and personalised offers. The Brisbane-based chain has set it sights on implementing a more tailored digital offering for customers. Features of the new website will include mobile and tablet optimisation, an increase of product related content, health services and information, su
ch as integrating its medication
management program, and personalised product offers.
Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas, GM of DDS, told Inside Retail PREMIUM the initial focus of the chain’s e-commerce had previously been on click and collect, which now totals two thirds of the company’s online orders.
“Health is one of the top three out of four subjects searched online and there’s more need, and requests, for qualified help. A lot of the content out there is not coming from qualified areas such as pharmacy,” Kuskopf-Dallas said.
“People are going online and searching on all the other platforms and it’s not always credible.
“We’ve learnt in last couple of years that customers are hungry for more health content, more content to suit their needs, and more personalised offers. ”
DDS does not operate its website through a central fulfilment centre, instead, each store has a dedicated website, with product orders shipped from a customer’s nearest store.
As part of the overhaul, DDS will also rollout a smartphone app and introduce its first ever loyalty program.
There are 124 DDS stores nationwide and with around 15
additional stores to open across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria, over the next 12 months.
“The long term goal has always been to get to 200 stores.”