EXCLUSIVE: Online furniture and homewares retailer, Zanui.com.au, has appointed a PR agency as the one year old brand prepares to step up its marketing activities.

Boutique publicity agency, Megan Rose Management, has been appointed as Zanui’s public relations partner following a six-way pitch.

Dean Kelly, Zanui co-founder and MD, told B&T the appointment comes as the e-tailer searches for a creative agency as it moves to “scale up” its marketing.

“We are currently in the process of planning our above the line marketing campaign for 2013,” Kelly said.

“We are discussing options with some media buyers we work with and are currently looking at Creative Agencies.  

“The plan will include Television, radio, magazine and online advertising, including some integrated opportunities which our PR company are working on.”

Zanui’s preferred media company is 360 Degree Marketing.

On the appointment of Megan Rose Management Kelly said: “We are so proud of our team and the company’s achievements in this first 12 months. There is still so much we want to do and are looking forward to working with Megan Rose Management to take Zanui to the next phase of its growth in 2013.”

“Australians are changing the way they buy their furniture and homewares – people want products available online, they don’t want to queue on a Saturday, they want choice, and they want it delivered to their doorstep, and that is what we are providing our customers – not only great products, but inspirational ideas to furnish their home.”

Zanui, backed by European investment agency Rocket Internet, has been online for one year and has grown from a two-person operation to a business with more than 50 staff.

Rocket Internet backs The Iconic, works with group-buying site Groupon and supports internet start-ups in over 20 countries.

Zanui.com.au features more than 650 brands and 16,000 furniture and homeware products for both adults and children.

Dean and co-founder Joakim Broms plan to continue to focus on Zanui’s own range of products as well as on fast delivery.

In its first year the site averaged 300,000 visits per month.