Marketplacer and Retail Global recently partnered to take retail leaders on a sensory journey while addressing the role of online marketplaces in the future retail landscape.

Leading executives from Australia’s biggest retail brands came together to discuss the future of omnichannel retail and engage in a virtual sensory racing experience to bring a little cheer to a challenging year for the industry.

The Marketplacer event, hosted by Retail Global, explored the necessity of omnichannel retail for the survival of the Australian retail industry, and the important role online marketplaces play in helping businesses adapt.

Speaking at the event was Providoor delivery platform founder, restaurateur, chef, and TV presenter, Shane Delia, alongside friend and Marketplacer co-founder, Jason Wyatt.

Delia spoke of his highly successful start-up and business pivot story, and how he leveraged an online marketplace to revolutionise Melbourne’s food home delivery.

By partnering with leading global marketplace software provider, Marketplace, Providoor was built in just five weeks and now boasts over 50 of Melbourne’s most coveted eateries. It turns over $1.5 million in orders every week and is forecasting $100 million in annualised revenue, making it one of the fastest scaled online marketplaces.

Amidst discussions of evolving business models and changing business strategies, Delia used his success to reinforce how online revenue streams could complement and co-exist alongside traditional offerings.

“Providoor is evidence that a hugely successful marketplace might not always come from the most obvious of places. If something as tangible and tactile as Melbourne’s fine dining institution can turn to technology and see value and growth in an online marketplace, then what industry can’t?” he said.

Retail Global founder and CEO, Phil Leahy said that the gathering served as a reflection of how challenging the year has been for the retail industry, but also sought to galvanize businesses with the opportunities that can come from adapting and innovating.

He also noted that for the event to spark meaningful connection and purposeful conversation, they needed to create more than just a standard Zoom call. “There is ample research which shows that creating a fun and relaxed environment can increase productivity and engagement,” he said. “So with restrictions impeding this year’s spring racing carnival, we wanted to have some fun and bring the experience to life in a virtual and COVID-safe way – and this is why we worked with the team at Activ Brand Management to create the Virtual Birdcage experience.”