SOUTH Africa’s leading manufacturer of UHT milk, Woodlands Dairy in Humansdorp, has launched its online store. The ShopFirstChoice website offers all of the First Choice long-life products including milk, cream, custard, dessert toppings, Velvet and High Protein Recovery.
Marketing Manager for Woodlands Dairy and First Choice, Marisa Maccaferri, says, “Plans have been in the pipeline to introduce an online store for some time. The change in shopping behaviour since the COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated not only our plans, but also the consumer’s acceptance and adoption of this method of shopping, especially for essentials like dairy. “Businesses that adapt to change are the ones that will survive and thrive. The way people do things, especially shopping, has changed forever.”
According to Maccaferri, ShopFirstChoice will be a stand-alone entity. “It will be accessible from all our digital platforms including the Woodlands and First Choice websites, as well as all our social media platforms.”
Maccaferri believes that as another sales channel, it will definitely have a positive impact. “Consumers who have been unable to find some of our high-quality products at certain retailers or unable to go to stores for any reason, can now purchase online. Milk will remain our best-seller, followed by cream and our other value adds such as our High Protein Recovery.”
The new online shopping site was designed by a Humansdorp-based company, Impact Studio.
Maccaferri said, “They’re our digital partner and manage all our social and digital assets. We have a solid plan in place and will not only be promoting the store online, but also on all touchpoints available to us. We will use the store to drive awareness of our whole range as well as launch new products.”
Almari Rooi, Studio Manager at Impact Studio, adds that the website is very clean and simple. “We have kept the focus on the products. The site is straightforward so that the user can easily navigate, browse through the products, add products to their cart and continue shopping or check out. We wanted to make it as user-friendly and accessible as possible.
“The process of purchasing is also easy. We have included a broad choice of payment options to ensure that every shopper can pay without fuss. Furthermore, product information, customer care and other features are now immediately accessible on the site from your phone or any other device.”
Maccaferri concludes, “Your favourite First Choice products can now be delivered to your front door.
“It will save consumers time and there’s no hassling with out of stocks, long queues, crowds, or someone’s trolley banging into the back of your ankles. You can shop any time you want, products are competitively priced, delivered within three to five days (a bit longer if you are in an outlying area), and it is easy.”
Visit the brand new online store at www.shopfirstchoice.co.za. – REPORTER
