Gerry Harvey onboard online "100 per cent"

Despite a long-held campaign against online retail, Harvey Norman has bowed to pressure and launched a fully fledged cyber-store following the debut of its Big Buys website earlier this year.

The retailer last night quietly unveiled harveynorman.com.au allowing customers to buy from its electronics and furniture portfolio online. General manager of computers Ben McIntosh told CRN customers had demanded Harvey Norman offer an online alternative.

But CEO Gerry Harvey’s aversion to online retail meant that it was a long time coming with the retailer only dipping its toe in with the launch of its Big Buys daily deals-style site in March this year. At the time the company said it was keen to explore a 'multi-channel' approach to retailing.

“[Harvey’s] definitely not against a multi-channel policy, that’s the way of the future and he’s always been supportive of that,” McIntosh said. “He’s on board 100 per cent.”

McIntosh confirmed no changes would be made to Big Buys as a result of the new online offering.

“Big Buys is a completely different strategy and has been a very successful venture for us. It’s always been stuff we haven’t sold in the physical location, this now encompasses the in-store experience.”

He said the site was performing above expectations in its first 24 hours.

“We’re very satisfied with our results. It’s very early days but we’re very happy with it.”

At first glance prices are comparable between it and rival JB HiFi’s online offering, with business-focused tablets and printers coming out cheaper despite Harvey Norman charging delivery where JB HiFi does not.

The Acer Iconia A500 16GB tablet retails for $467 on Harvey Norman’s website, plus an additional $5.95 delivery fee, still less than JB HiFi’s $488.

A Canon MP495 Multifunction printer is similarly charged with a $6.95 delivery fee, but at $48 is less the $59 charged by JB HiFi. Both companies offer Apple’s iPad 2 16GB wi-fi + 3G black model for store pick up only. Customers can pick it up for $713 at their nearest Harvey Norman outlet- $1 less than JB HiFi, and $16 less than through Apple direct.

JB HiFi’s online laptop and netbook range is, however more extensive that Harvey Norman's.