Patio now online and indoors

QUEENSLAND furniture retailer Out on the Patio has closed its three bricks-andmortar stores and moved to a warehouse and online model as fallout from the COVID-19 shutdown continues.

Out on the Patio has permanently shut its Fortitude Valley, Sunshine Coast and Aspley shops and is now using its existing warehouse at Seventeen Miles Rocks as a retail outlet.

Retailers such as Out on the Patio are facing falling revenue due to the COVID-19 shutdown, which makes maintaining large retail premises increasing unsustainable. A company spokesperson said the COVID-19 situation had contributed to the shift to the new model, which was so far working satisfactorily.

Out on the Patio sells outdoor dining sets, lounges and sun umbrellas. It also supplies outdoor furniture to holiday resorts, schools, body corporates, hospitality areas and cafes and restaurants.

QUT retail expert Gary Mortimer said more retailers would reduce their physical store footprint and increase their online presence in response to the pandemic.

“There also will be some retailers who will move their operations entirely online,” Dr Mortimer said. “Retailers are realising they can get a significant amount of sales online and they don’t have leasing and other costs.”