E-commerce News South Africa

Design daily sale site opens online

Citymob has retooled its group-buying platform to retail design online through what it describes as 'design flash sales', an innovative model focusing on time-limited sales with the emphasis on providing consumers with a daily dose of design. Cleverly curated, the site connects the best in local and international design, offering up a mix of original ideas and creative 'city cool' collaborations that deliver broad-based buying options, ranging from R50 - R5000.

"Let's consider what design is today," says Citymob MD, Luke Jedeikin, "it's fashion, art, décor, furniture, cars, gadgets - even food. The site is open to design across all categories. Times are tough and people are looking for a big dose of optimism. Design makes people smile."

The company collaborates with individuals such as fashion and décor blogger Kim Gray, and local design magazine Visi in order to bring their style-savvy SA members the latest up-to-the-minute creations and standout concepts. Curated by merchandise director, Lei Lester, who brings her wealth of talent to the fore, the site also provides shoppers with the added benefit of a design blog every day, from which they can buy.

"We are obsessive about being as good as or better than the best ecommerce sites in the world," says Jedeikin. "We felt that there was an opportunity to offer something truly authentic and unique online which SA has never experienced, Previously in the social buying space, we grew fast with a uniquely curated product selection that ultimately saw us pivot into design."

The site is well designed but most importantly, workable. At a recent local convention, its checkout process was considered the 'gold standard' of South African implementation.

The site also offers dedicated 'client concierges' (committed individuals offering real-time one-on-one support ranging from everything from product enquiries to shipping requests), national delivery and a friendly and effective returns policy. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, it ships throughout South Africa. Additionally, whilst shipping on the majority of online shopping sites usually works according to volumes shipped, the site's shipping rates relate to customer's buying history, which meaning free shipping for elite members and a tiered system for other shoppers.

For more information, go to www.citymob.co.za.

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