Rentals goes digital
Radio Rentals and Rentlo have jumped on the digital TV bandwagon, offering packages to consumers to rent for $24.90 per week.
Rental supplier Thorn Australia has announced the availability of the packages. The company is pushing the rental model as a safe way to adopt the new technology.
"Rental provides a safe option during the introductory phase - the opportunity to try before you buy whilst the technology is still in its infancy," said Thorn general manager Scott Lorson.
Thorn will also provide an upgrade option for the second-generation digital set top box.
Ozbuy.com takes retail to Palms and Windows CEsOnline retailer ozbuy.com has extended its customer services, offering clients online shopping deals and news from their PDA.
Palm and Windows CE users can now access the site through their handhelds thanks to a deal with AvantGo. The service, hailed as ozbuy.com-to-go, allows users to receive tailored online content when they synchronise their PDA.
The e-tailer has also given customers another payment option, becoming Australia's first online e-Voucher redemption centre.
Sony sues Paddy's Markets over piracy
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) has been given leave to take action against market operator Paddy's Markets for allowing a storeholder to sell allegedly pirated copies of its PlayStation computer games.
Federal Court Judge Justice Lindgren granted leave for SCEA to include the operator as an additional respondent to stallholder Mohamed Dannoun, who was ordered to pay a fine of $3500 plus indemnities after he was found selling illegal games in breach of court orders.
The action could have wide-ranging implications since it is the first time a market operator has been joined in court action alongside stallholders.
Dick Smith sales strong
Dick Smith Electronics is off to a good start in the 2000/2001 financial year with parent company Woolworths reporting the electronics and computer store had recorded double-digit sales growth.
The company has 131 stores throughout Australia and eight Powerhouse concept stores. According to Woolworths CEO Roger Corbett, sales growth has been slow and steady across the board of the retailing giant.
"Sales strengthened in December after being slightly slower in October and November," Corbett said. "Given continued economic stability, we remain on track to achieve sales growth in the high single digits."
