Local start up defies Covid-19, transforms retail
Today Workit Spaces celebrates three years of operation after defying Covid-19 and it continues to lay the groundwork for retail’s transformation.
While other coworking businesses failed during the pandemic, Workit Spaces triumphed over Covid-19 to achieve 300% growth by introducing innovative services, transforming retail and enabling eCommerce growth in Australia.
Workit’s eCommerce hubs supported local businesses to continue working safely in purpose built spaces that offered contactless shipping and receiving stations. Members could also remotely access a community of like-minded entrepreneurs with a robust knowledge base and support network.
What’s Next For Workit?
Workit’s latest project, software platform ‘SKUtopia’, will take on Amazon by revolutionising order, inventory and shipping management. Coming this year, Workit is launching SKUtopia Fulfilment – a network of urban robotics micro-fulfilment centres across Australia using AI technology to enable deliveries as low as 1-4 hours in metro cities.
MD and founder Talea Bader understands retailers need to pivot to keep up with changing consumer behaviour. “Retailers are now looking to transform their shopping experiences with rapid delivery and ‘personalised valet shopping’ to attract people back to stores while working to optimise online sales and home delivery.”
More Aussies are Shopping Online
Consumer behaviour has certainly changed. Covid-19 forced retailers to adapt, causing a sudden eCommerce growth and permanent shift in purchasing habits. Australia Post’s 2021 eCommerce Report found 82% of Australian households are shopping online. They’re also purchasing a wider range of goods, more often.
And with $50.46 billion spent online last year, up 57% YOY, eCommerce isn’t going anywhere.
Just three years ago Workit Spaces secured its first clients, the majority still members today. Since then, Workit has experienced rapid growth, now providing services for more than 250 businesses.
“It’s been an exciting growth journey”, says Bader. “We started with 750sqm at our first site. Now we have facilities across 15,000sqm, an awesome software platform and a robotics fulfilment network underway. Our team that began with two is now 25 strong and expected to grow exponentially over the coming 12 months”.
The Workit Community
But it’s not just Workit Spaces that has grown. Workit’s innovative ecosystems have helped its members grow significantly to reach new heights.
Back in 2019 Forcite Helmets launched their first prototype, now they are so popular they can’t keep up with demand. Florist LVLY garnered popularity with national sales up by 500% in the last three months alone.
“We can’t wait to continue to grow with our clients over the coming months. There’s a lot to look forward to,” says Bader.
