New online grocery store to take on Australia’s major supermarkets

Posted by AFN Staff Writers on 21st September 2011

An ambitious new online grocery store, Groceryrun.com.au, is being launched today. It aims to provide more competition for Australia’s leading supermarkets and is claiming its business will “halve grocery bills” of those who shop through it.

Groceryrun.com.au says it has conducted a 12-month trial with “CatchOfTheDay” offering groceries as part of a two day monthly shopping event where the company claims it sold on average two grocery items a second and netted over $1 million in 48 hours.

CatchOfTheDay co-founder Gabby Leibovich claimed its revenues for 2011/2012 are forecast to top $250 million and another online shopping site is planned for launch next year, and that the business is aiming to become Australia’s leading ecommerce group.

The business model has GroceryRun opening its doors for only two days every week – Wednesday and Thursday. A flat $11 shipping fee is to apply to deliveries anywhere in Australia.

Mr. Leibovich said, “The most popular items are generally cleaning products and personal health care items – the big ticket items that take a large bite out of the household budget. However, small luxury items such as chocolates are also a big seller.”

According to Mr Leibovich, the business works closely with the suppliers and buys in very large volumes. He said that suppliers are “paid within 24 hours” by virtue of the quick stock turn.

“We have very low overheads and pass the savings direct to the shoppers. It’s a winning combination,” Mr Leibovich said.

Prospective suppliers are likely to undertake their own due diligence enquiries for any emerging business opportunities.