14 DAY TRIAL // Vodafone Hutchison Australia, the company that operates the Vodafone, '3' and Crazy John's brands in The Land Down Under, announced that '3' stores would begin selling the complete range of Vodafone products and services starting with July 21st, 2010. The multi-branded stores will still continue to offer '3' prepaid and postpaid products.
The plan to multi-brand all '3' stores comes one year after the merger between Vodafone Australia and Hutchison 3G Australia, following detailed integration of all retail point of sale and customer service systems, and comprehensive store staff training. The first joint '3' and Vodafone stores will open in nine locations across Australia by July 6th, with about 100 additional stores to follow in time for a grand reopening on July 21st.
In addition to the multi-branding, Vodafone Hutchison Australia has initiated a national upgrade of more than 120 exclusive Vodafone stores. The upgrade is meant to create a new and improved in-store customer service experience.
“Our retail presence is a great strength of Vodafone and 3 and, for most of our customers, our stores are the public face of our brands. Investment in our retail network is critical, and ensuring we can make the most of the great locations and talents of our store staff is vital in ensuring we deliver the best possible customer experience,” said Nigel Dews, chief executive officer of Vodafone Hutchison Australia. “By bringing Vodafone products and services to 3 stores there will be more choice for our customers, supported by the strength of our Vodafone company-owned stores, which will be refitted to improve the customer experience.”
In related news, Vodafone Hutchison Australia announced the introduction of free standard voice calls across Australia between Vodafone and '3' customers. The offer will be available starting with the end of July 2010, and is applicable to users who signed up to a postpaid cap of over $29 a month since March 11th, 2010.