The decision to shift to an online model for Bathurst customers on Thursday came in response to a rapidly changing retail market.

Bobbies Clothing owner Melissa Gregory said the online shift was the next logical step for the business.

“We’re noticing more and more that our target market is not shopping in ‘bricks-and-mortar’ stores anymore,” Ms Gregory said.

“We need to be where our market is and in this day and age, that market is online.”

Ms Gregory said the Orange store would also be able to help customers address any issues with online purchases. 

According to leading industry research provider IBISWorld, revenue in the clothing retailing industry has grown by 2 per cent annually over the past five years due to online offerings.

Ms Gregory is hoping to take full advantage of the online market when it comes to promoting the business’ brand.

“We’ve got strategies in place that we think will make our online store competitive in the marketplace,” she said.

“We understand that it is going to be a lot of work, but we want to give it our best shot competing with some of the bigger companies.”

Ms Gregory has owned Bobbies Clothing [formerly known as Bobbie McGees] since its inception, and holds plenty of fond memories from throughout the years.

“The thing I’ve loved the most is seeing customers that started shopping at Bobbies as teenagers return years later to the store with children of their own,” she said.

With an exciting new era dawning for Bobbies Clothing, Ms Gregory is very thankful for all the support the business has received over the years.

“It has meant the world to me being able to work alongside some outstanding members of staff and serve so many beautiful customers,” she said.

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