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One of Queensland's largest solar retailers and installers is about to broaden its horizons following an Australian-first solar deal.
Big-box US retailer Costco has signed a deal with InStyle Solar that will see InStyle's products available to purchase via a kiosk in-store.
While the initial plan is to have the kiosks installed at North Lakes and Ipswich, InStyle is on the path towards a wider presence and will be in every store nationally over the coming months.
This deal will finally pull together the company's ambitions to become an Australia-wide brand.
"Going national is something we have always had planned," says Karl Brown, founder of InStyle Solar and Retail and Services Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018.
"We always wanted to sell around the country, but this deal with Costco made more sense. It is the first of its kind; the first-time solar power is being sold in a bona fide retail environment. No other stores but Costco do this kind of thing."
The Instyle Solar kiosk to be rolled out in Costco stores nationally
Becoming a national brand will undoubtedly require a massive effort from the InStyle Solar team, but Brown says doing business from afar is easier than ever in 2019.
"You don't need office space these days, and our work is mostly done in other people's homes," says Brown.
"We will have warehouses in each state that we're working in, and we are going to build up our installation teams which will mean hiring more staff and bringing a lot more people on."
As one of Queensland's largest solar retailers InStyle Solar is already one of the top retailers in the country, but this deal with Costco is expected to solidify Brown's position as the Australian King of Solar.
"From a residential retail perspective, we are already in the top five, and we're only in 9 per cent of Australian postcodes," says Brown.
"Within the next 12 months I anticipate we will become the number one brand in Australia."
To ensure customers purchase the right product for their energy requirements, a sales representative will be on-site to offer information and expert advice on the solar products available.
Once customers have purchased their InStyle Solar package, they are able to arrange installation of their new panels with our experienced team.
"Getting this retail model to work is something we've been working on for a number of years," says Brown.
"Costco is massively invested as well. What I like about the partnership is the customer is finally dealing with a brand they recognise they trust Costco, it has a lot of consumer confidence."
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