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Retailers Urged to Go Online
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, May 07, 2010
Small business owners are being advised to capitalise on the increasing popularity of internet shopping this year, with a recent report from market research company, Vision Critical, revealing that up to 88% of consumers made their purchases online over the last 12 months.
The survey is just one of a number of similar reports to come out over the past year highlighting the growing significance of online shopping, with the latest statistics from market research firm, Mintel, showing that internet sales rose from £15.7 billion in 2008, to £17.8 billion in 2009.
Speaking to Retail Jeweller, Richard Perks, director of retail at Mintel, says, “The market is stabilising, but there is definitely demand for luxury goods online and sites like Net-a-Porter have done very well. I think having an internet presence is highly important and I would advise retailers to invest in online transactional websites to draw in more custom.”
Fabric Paget, chief marketing officer of jewellery retailer, Fabergé, agrees tapping into this market is key, adding, “For most high-end jewellery clients, it is the goods and personal relationship that count more than store location or interior. That is why we have created an intimate website that allows customers to shop 24/7.”
David Smith, marketing director of the Interactive Media Group (IMRG), also weighs in on the debate, saying, “The internet category is now maturing and we expect to see smaller jewellers coming online. If you are stocking unique ranges, having a web presence could take you from a local to an international level, the potential market is huge.”
The survey is just one of a number of similar reports to come out over the past year highlighting the growing significance of online shopping, with the latest statistics from market research firm, Mintel, showing that internet sales rose from £15.7 billion in 2008, to £17.8 billion in 2009.
Speaking to Retail Jeweller, Richard Perks, director of retail at Mintel, says, “The market is stabilising, but there is definitely demand for luxury goods online and sites like Net-a-Porter have done very well. I think having an internet presence is highly important and I would advise retailers to invest in online transactional websites to draw in more custom.”
Fabric Paget, chief marketing officer of jewellery retailer, Fabergé, agrees tapping into this market is key, adding, “For most high-end jewellery clients, it is the goods and personal relationship that count more than store location or interior. That is why we have created an intimate website that allows customers to shop 24/7.”
David Smith, marketing director of the Interactive Media Group (IMRG), also weighs in on the debate, saying, “The internet category is now maturing and we expect to see smaller jewellers coming online. If you are stocking unique ranges, having a web presence could take you from a local to an international level, the potential market is huge.”
