Hamperbiz, Auckland, New Zealand, 8th Nov 2012 – The current retail environment, which has seen an increase online retail stores and a decrease of traditional bricks-and-mortar stores, is often said to offer little support to New Zealand businesses. More than ever, consumers choose to spend money on sites based overseas, and as online shopping becomes more popular, this trend looks set to continue.

The popularity of shopping online appears to be driven by a variety of factors. Consumers, constantly marketed to via email, social media websites and online news outlets, are more comfortable shopping online, and since the recession have sought greater value and better variety in their purchases. The strength of the New Zealand Dollar continues to support this development.

UK-based websites such as ASOS and The Book Depository offers fast, free shipping, in addition to infinite choice and very low prices. For the average consumer in New Zealand, the option of shopping online offers a better deal, cutting out a trip to the shops and often saving them a considerable sum in comparison to what they would have paid in a local store.

Hamperbiz, the online gift hamper and gift basket store, is based in Auckland, New Zealand. They offer a wide range of gift baskets, hampers and bouquets, catering for corporate customers, birthdays, anniversaries, special events, get well soon and newborn gifts. All their gifts are prepared on site in their warehouse in Takapuna, with each gift hamper containing items from their selection of wines, gourmet food products, pamper gifts and unique gift products. Over 80% of these items are designed and manufactured in New Zealand.

Hamperbiz markets itself as a destination for people looking to send gifts to people in New Zealand. This applies to both customers shopping from within New Zealand, and customers shopping in other countries. The offer of free delivery of gift hampers in New Zealand gives Hamperbiz an extra edge against competing businesses, and puts them in league with businesses such as ASOS and The Book Depository, who also offer free international shipping. This acts as a powerful incentive to the discerning shopper looking to save on costs wherever possible.

By attracting both domestic and international business, Hamperbiz has been able to both benefit from the world-wide growth of online shopping and keep New Zealand consumers' dollars within New Zealand.

"Businesses that are struggling against the tide of online retail outlets should take advantage of the opportunities available to sell their product online to people overseas," says Judy McGrath, the owner of Hamperbiz. "A large percentage of our orders come from Australia and the UK, and with the growth of the Asian population in New Zealand, we look forward to offering a service to those in Asia who wish to send to friends and family living in New Zealand".

Judy knows what she is talking about. Hamperbiz has twice been made finalist in Enterprise North Shore's Business Awards for exporting.

"Marketing our products and services overseas has really broadened the net" says Judy. "Operating an online store is not difficult, and it has really helped to grow our business since the days of fax and telephone orders. In turn, we are able to invest in New Zealand designed and manufactured stock, and support our suppliers here, and in turn our consumers".

About Hamperbiz:

Hamperbiz is one of the leading online gift shops in New Zealand. They provide gift hampers and gift baskets for every occasion whether it is Christmas, birthdays, anniversary, congratulations or new baby. Hamperbiz offers wonderful gifts products for corporate clients, staff, friends and family. Their fabulous range of products is also available in Australia and UK. They carefully design, prepare and dispatch your gift baskets, hampers and flowers throughout NZ.