Coles has signed a multi-year partnership with Optus Business for digital network and telecommunications services, the companies have announced.
According to a statement, Coles’ new network will “deliver a range of benefits to improve the shopping experience and help make life easier for our customers and team members”.
The supermarket says the strategic alliance will deliver high-capacity fibre services across Coles’ retail, distribution and support centres Australia-wide. Optus will partner with NBN Co to deploy the fibre connections across Coles’ network.
There’ll also be new Optus-powered products in store and online, Coles says. It added that flybuys members will have “great new ways to earn points with Optus offers”.
‘Emerging technologies’
Coles Chief Information and Digital Officer Roger Sniezek says the new network will boost Coles’ digital credentials, both now and into the future.
“The increased speeds and capacity of this new network give us the flexibility to rapidly increase the speed at which our stores can access and transfer data,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Optus to leverage the speed, flexibility and agility of the new network. It will ensure we’re well-placed to take advantage of emerging technologies in coming years.”
But Coles says the Optus network won’t just make life easier for customers, but also for in-store staff too. By reducing the time they need to complete regular processes, Coles claims, it’ll give them more time to focus on customer service.
‘An even better shopping experience’
Optus Business Managing Director John Paitaridis was also keen to stress the benefits to customers of the new network.
“It will accelerate the digitalisation of the Coles store network, and enable an even better shopping experience,” he said.
“Both Coles and Optus Business share a passion for customer service, which is at the heart of our strategic partnership. Our collaboration will help make the lives of more than 115,000 Coles team members easier. We look forward to working with Coles on future initiatives.”
More flybuys
Thanks to the partnership, Optus will join existing flybuys partners. These include Coles, Coles Express, Liquorland, eBay, NAB, Kmart, Target, Budget Car and Truck Rental, AGL and Adidas.
“flybuys is excited to welcome Optus as a strategic partner to Australia’s most popular loyalty program,” flybuys CEO John Merakovsky said.