Intelligent Retail EPOS Software blog - retailers tag

Internet sales continue to rise

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:06:00 GMT

Internet sales are still continuing to rise. IMRG, the eCommerce industry body reported that internet sales rose year on year 19% in January, 12% in February and 15% on average over the last 6 months. This is less than the growth seen in previous years, but still notable in the current recession and according to James Roper the Chief Executive at IMRG this growth will “stay steady”.

What has helped to drive this growth is the availability of high speed broadband. 58% of British homes now have broadband and this figure is set to rise with the government launching the Digital Britain Report which sets out a way to bring advanced digital communications to all. This will drive more growth in internet retailing.

David Mackley MD at Intelligent Retail commented; "The internet has become a part of everyday life for UK consumers and for many is an integral part of their shopping routine. The internet is not all about low cost discounting, there are many different strategies retailers can use to increase business. Retailers who only have shop premises are missing out on a huge change in consumer shopping habits, whereas multichannel retailers are winning in this touch climate."

Online spending in 2008 reached record levels

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:10:00 GMT

Overall online spending in 2008 reached record levels for each individual month (IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index). UK shoppers spent over £4.67 billion online in December. This represents an equivalent of £76 for every person in the UK, an increase of 14.2% on December 2007. This growth comes despite the peak internet shopping weekend being on 29th and 30th November.

Balanced views from real independent retailers - not all doom and gloom!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:50:00 GMT

There are more and more people getting fed up with the intensity of the negative press on retail. OK so it is certainly tough at the moment, but a lot of these retailers than have gone under have been stugggling for years. Speaking to our own customers before and after Christmas, the vast majority have had as good as or a better period than last year. None that I have spoken to have had it worse than expected due.

In leaner times its time to be proactive, how EPoS software can help

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:34:00 GMT

With little growth forecast for 2009 we can expect tougher times on the high street. So what is an independent retailer to do? One approach is to batten down the hatches and hope the cold winds of recession will pass over keeping fingers crossed for survival. An alternative, more proactive approach is to use this time to make the business stronger, more efficient and better equipped to deal with the changing competitive climate in the years to come.

Encouraging customer loyalty in retail

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:44:00 GMT

What do you currently do to encourage customer loyalty? A loyalty program can make customers feel part of the business and can make a big difference to profits. Particularly in fashion, with customers coming to rely on the garments purchased from your shop.