Kenneth says that with the opening of Harvey Norman here at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching shoppers can now enjoy the full convenience that such retail model brings.
KUCHING: Harvey Norman from Australia has made its debut in East Malaysia with its first store in Kuching. The grand opening will be held on December 9, 2017.
Spreading over two floors, Harvey Norman will be offering an extensive range of electrical, IT, furniture and bedding products at their 46,806 square feet new store at Vivacity Megamall. This latest outlet sets to bring a seamless shopping experience for online and brick and mortar store.
As an omni-channel retailer, Harvey Norman Asia managing director Kenneth Aruldoss said that Kuching shoppers can now enjoy the full convenience that such retail model brings.
The ‘click and collect’ service allows customers to buy online anytime of the day and collect their purchase at their nearest Harvey Norman store. This is especially appealing for customers who do not want to wait for delivery.
Providing a holistic consumer purchasing journey encompassing online and offline is crucial for retailers now.
“This is why many pure online players out there are opening up stores – because they know if they focus on online alone, they might be disadvantaged. They have to do both,” he said.
“It is easier for us because we already have physical stores. It is easier to have brick and mortar stores to go online than for online stores to go brick and mortar. That’s why our online business is growing and our physical stores are growing as well.” Kenneth added.
On the possibility of in-store pricing differences here compared to Peninsular Malaysia, Kenneth dismissed this, saying that Harvey Norman does not have such pricing policies.
“Harvey Norman’s pricing is the same everywhere in Malaysia. You cannot have two pricing policies,” he stressed.
“However, saying that, we also do negotiate as well. If a customer comes from a competitor to us and say that this TV is cheaper, we will match it and beat it. We have a price guarantee under Harvey Norman’s ‘Shop with Confidence’ policy.”
If customers come across a lower price deal advertised somewhere else within 10 days of their purchase, Harvey Norman will match it and top it up with 10 per cent of the price difference.
‘Shop with Confidence’ also covers exchange of products, reservation service, same day delivery service and product care, giving customers a peace of mind when shopping both online or in-store.
Kenneth has high expectations on the performance of East Malaysia’s first outlet.
“Consumers will welcome this refreshing concept as there’s nothing like it in Kuching.
“We are revolutionising the way consumers shop for electrical, computers, furniture and bedding products. They will feel the difference the moment they step into the store,” he said.
Harvey Norman in Malaysia is operating under Elitetrax Marketing Sdn Bhd which is fully owned by Pertama Holdings Limited, operating predominantly in Singapore and Malaysia.
A renowned Australian brand, Harvey Norman has over 260 stores worldwide, including 16 in Malaysia.