Uncle Pete’s Toys launched its online store recently, giving customers access to more than 6000 products at the click of a button.

The progressive move comes as traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses face a new challenge with the arrival of American e-commerce giant Amazon.

The Dubbo toy store began as a franchise, and decades later the family-run business continues to operate from its premises in the city’s centre.

Owner David Haylock is looking to open up new opportunities with the launch of the online store in addition to its Macquarie Street base.

The website’s launch has been implemented by Big Blue Digital, a local digital transformation company, also based in Dubbo.

The team there managed the process for Uncle Pete’s Toys and worked alongside another local business, Desspos Solutions, which provides point of sale solutions.

“This has been a fantastic partnership for us,” Mr Haylock said.

“We have created a store that is accessible, not only for our customers in western NSW but the whole of Australia.

“It reflects the fun and magic that is Uncle Pete’s Toys.”

Read more:

The Dubbo businessman was inspired by sites like Birdsnest, which began as a team of five and is now run by more than 90 people.

It is also based in regional NSW and has become one of the biggest clothing sites in the country.

Through working with local partners, and increasing the store’s potential footprint, it is anticipated these steps into the digital economy will have flow-on economic benefits.

Already, Dubbo’s retail sector is the city’s second largest employer and contributes $185 million value added to the economy, REMPLAN data shows.

Uncle Pete’s Toys also provides click and collect for busy shoppers who are local to the store.

As Amazon launched last week, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright encouraged local businesses to consider an online store as a second shopfront and how click and collect may play a role in their operations.