Head of Marketing at Harris Scarfe Australia

In an era dominated by digital commerce, the resurgence of brick-and-mortar retail might seem counterintuitive to some. However, at Harris Scarfe, we firmly believe in the enduring value of physical retail spaces. With a history dating back to 1849, our brand’s legacy fuels our drive to succeed, even amidst modern challenges.

As a newcomer to the Spotlight Retail Group, having joined in April 2020, Harris Scarfe stands alongside esteemed brands like Spotlight, Anaconda, and Mountain Designs. Despite being the newest addition, Harris Scarfe has quickly found renewed vigor within the group. Our owners’ entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to innovate have allowed us to craft a retail strategy that embraces tradition and innovation.

A key example of this is the resurgence of our bricks and mortar stores, particularly in regional areas. At a time when banks and other businesses are deciding to close stores and branches and encourage customers into their digital spaces, we've recognized the enduring value of physical retail space and the importance of our stores and staff in supporting the local community.

We want our stores to be a place of connection, to offer a sense of belonging and for Harris Scarfe to be a respected and loved member of communities all over Australia.

The resurgence of bricks-and-mortar retail is not merely a nostalgic nod to the past but a strategic move toward building deeper connections with customers and fostering community engagement.

 This might seem like a humble ambition, but two of the biggest brands in the world, IKEA and Lego, have recently rediscovered the power of their own physical retail footprint to engage customers.

Clearly, they are heavy investors in their e-commerce experience, but they have recognized the power of physical stores to provide a tactile experience of their products that customers love. According to the Financial Times, new stores helped IKEA reach a healthy sales growth of 7 percent in the year to August 2023, and Lego has also had its success with a tripling of stores globally since 2017. In the U.S., Saks 5th Avenue and J.C. Penney have invested billions in new stores to satisfy customer demand for that touch-and-feel experience and service.

Closer to home, Harris Scarfe will continue to build a brilliant e-commerce experience for customers, but we're equally committed to expanding our physical footprint. With 60 stores already across Australia and plans for further expansion, we’re dedicated to providing customers with the best of both worlds.

The resurgence of brick-and-mortar retail is not merely a nostalgic nod to the past but a strategic move toward building deeper customer connections and fostering community engagement. As we continue our journey of reinvigoration and growth, we remain steadfast in our belief that physical stores will always hold a special place in the hearts and minds of customers.