Westfield Group
(ASX:WDC) is gearing up to launch Australia's first virtual shopping centre.
The retailing giant is in final negotiations with its tenants for their inclusion on the website.
Fairfax Media reports that the website, which will operate at the company's current domain name, westfield.com.au, will place its greatest focus on fashion, with other sections including electronics and books.
Westfield initially flagged plans for an online shopping site in the late 1990s, but dropped the idea in fear of losing customers at its other centres.
Westfield's website currently allows customers to view items in its stores but does not accept online payments.
The new site will allow retailers to fill orders directly.
Westfield posted a $457 million loss in the year to December 30 2009.
