Vodafone wants entrepreneurs to drive retail growth

The stores are branded retail outlets owned and operated by independent business people.

Vodafone launched the concept in November 2007 and has established around 30 Vodafone Select Dealer stores throughout Australia.

Steve Bannigan, general manager commercial operations at Vodafone Australia, told CRN that over the next year, it plans to grow the number of stores.

“There are currently 30 Vodafone Select Dealers operating throughout Australia, and we are hoping to triple the number of Select Dealers to 90 retail outlets,” he said.

"There's no set deadline to reach its target as we are far more interested in identifying entrepreneurs with the right type of retail business acumen, in the right locations."

According to Bannigan, Vodafone will provide retailers with wholesale buying rights to the Vodafone product range. Select Dealers will also have access to all necessary customer service and provisioning systems.

“The Vodafone Select Dealer program is strategically managed to create a fair and equitable retail environment that encourages positive growth amongst all Vodafone sales outlets,” claimed Bannigan.

"The invitation to submit expressions of interest is open to all business people."

Bannigan claimed that the mobile telecommunications market is competitive by nature.

"Vodafone is interested in creating new retail agreements founded on sound business principles and the strength of a well-regarded, global brand."

He said the telco was looking at dealers with specific interest in metropolitan Melbourne, Tasmania, Brisbane, Perth North and regional centres such as Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Victor Harbour, the northern and southern regions of South Australia, Bunbury, Townsville and Cairns.”