
Open question to the likes of Gerry Harvey
Why does it cost me less to buy stuff from overseas, then? Even after paying exorbitant freight costs the difference is still more than the GST, Gerry. It's often still better than 30%.
The only things you have to offer me are a peek at the merchandise before paying and immediate delivery. The former is less and less important because every feckin' major store stocks the same feckin' stuff. There is actually very little variety in what is available in this country. The latter is also hit and miss because retailers try to avoid holding stock and rely on their suppliers for just-in-time delivery.
If your cost-of-sales is is more than piecemeal international shipping I'll be very surprised (and also think you are doing something wrong). If you are paying so much more for stock, maybe you should grow a pair and sort out a better deal with your suppliers. Or you might just have to accept lower profit margins now that you have competition.
In short, large retailers have failed their market and it's going elsewhere. I suggest that the likes of Gerry Harvey should shut up shop or just shut up.