Online retailer Digital Home Discounts has announced the sale of the Digital Home web site to leading consumer electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi.
Under the terms of the contract JB Hi-Fi has purchased the Digital Home URL and the brand name Digital Home. Also sold was a licence for the Digital Home Discounts software that powers the Digital Home web site. Developed over the past four years, the software will allow JB Hi-Fi to significantly expand their online operations, said Digital Home Discounts CEO David Richards.
“During the past 4 years we have built the Digital Home web site significantly however, long term we are not retailers nor do we have the buying power of someone like JB Hi-Fi and as such, we decided to exit the retail market to concentrate on our media and retail software business,” said Richards who is also the CEO of 4Square Media, the publishers of SmartHouse.
Richards added, “Going forward 4Square Media will work closely with JB Hi-Fi to educate their customers with reviews, how to information as well as detailed information on how stuff works. We will also use the SmartHouse brand to drive traffic to the JB Hi-Fi online operation”.
Digital Home Discounts said that their software will allow JB Hi-Fi to track customer orders, link live into distributor databases, change pricing and product descriptions quickly and over time allow customers to make a decision as to whether they want their product shipped or picked up.
It will also allow JB Hi-Fi to link into central stock control and accounting systems while providing JB Hi-Fi management with real time control of stock and purchases.
Richards added, “The engine powering the Digital Home web site has been built from the ground up using .Net and SQL. Console operators have access to extensive capability from managing a customer’s order to knowing what stock is in the system to fluctuating pricing to the posting of extensive descriptions and images of products and services. This will benefit JB Hi-Fi significantly”.
During the next few months, 4Square Media, a major shareholder in Digital Home Discounts will announce several new products aimed at educating consumers and business on all aspects of consumer and business technology, said Richards.
