E-commerce titan inaugurates expansive distribution center in Christchurch | WATCH

One of the largest online retailers in the country has unveiled a vast distribution center in Christchurch, aiming to encourage more South Islanders to embrace online shopping. Mighty Ape has constructed a 5,500-square-meter warehouse near the city’s airport, pledging swift same-day or overnight delivery for a plethora of products.

Gracie MacKinlay, the company’s CEO, highlighted the significant shift for South Island residents accustomed to lengthy waits for orders from Auckland. She expressed the desire to enhance the online shopping experience for customers in the region.

The move is seen as a positive signal of growing confidence in Christchurch by prominent businesses, according to Leeann Watson, CEO of the Canterbury Employers’ Chambers of Commerce. Watson emphasized the increasing demand in the city, which is leading New Zealand in net migration, attributing it to more people returning to Christchurch due to lower living costs, competitive housing prices, and favorable commercial rents compared to Auckland and Wellington.

Many of the shelves in its massive facility are still empty, with the hope that business will grow. (Source: 1News)

However, the surge in online retail poses a challenge for smaller local shops. Sarah Fitches, the owner of Smartypants children’s store in Christchurch, advocates for the value of in-person shopping experiences. Despite operating both an online store and a physical location, she believes that many customers prefer the hands-on experience and the ability to make informed decisions with personal assistance.

While acknowledging this perspective, Mighty Ape remains confident in its strategy, having designed its warehouse with expansion in mind. The CEO, MacKinlay, emphasized the surprising speed of delivery already experienced by Christchurch customers, citing instances of same-day deliveries that have left shoppers impressed. The company anticipates that as South Islanders become accustomed to faster delivery times, online shopping will continue to gain popularity.