http://emilyecho.blogr.com/metaTags/stores/ XML Feed en Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:11:10 +0200 http://static.blogr.com/tenants/com/modSiteIcon/tdy-dummy-site-icon.icon.jpg http://emilyecho.blogr.com/metaTags/stores/ 48 48 http://emilyecho.blogr.com/stories/8187310/ Earlier this year, I listed ten well known high street retailers that weren't selling online, despite the obvious benefits of doing so.<br /><br />I calculated (roughly) that these companies were missing out on potential revenues of between £8m and £1.35bn for the sake of setting up an e-commerce operation.<br /><br />Six months later, <a href="http://system.fastcommerce.com/">online retail</a> is still growing, and the reasons for selling online are just as valid, so I've taken a look to see where these companies are now with their e-commerce strategies...<br /><br />Still not selling online<br /><br />    * H&amp;M sells online in a few European countries, but still hasn't announced plans to do so in the UK, a large market for the company. A Flash-filled website that starts playing audio at you is all UK visitors will see. Not cool.<br /><br />       <br />    * Despite being one of the most well-known and successful shoe retailers offline in the UK, Clarks remains one of the biggest e-commerce refuseniks.<br /><br />      Telephone ordering is available, but this is not good enough, nor is the Flash website which is not only a usability nightmare but also, as it opens in a new window, will fall foul of many popup blockers. About as bad as it gets.<br /><br />       <br />    * Claire's accessories is pretty successful on the high street, but still seems to have no plans to move into online retail.<br /><br />       <br />    * Department store retailer Fenwicks still has no e-commerce site. Perhaps department stores don't work so well online? Then again, Selfridges is planning to roll out a transactional internet store... (see below).<br /><br />       <br />    * Oddly, while rivals Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda all sell online with some success, both Morrisons and Somerfield have yet to launch an e-commerce site, though Somerfield did have one which closed in 2000.<br /><br />      Morrisons uses its website to advertise its latest offers and provide general information, while Somerfield lets you browse through its products and add them to a shopping list, which you can then print off and take to the store.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://system.fastcommerce.com/">Planning to sell online</a><br /><br />    * Last time I looked, Jigsaw was displaying its clothing range online, but orders could only be placed by telephone. Now it has announced a move into e-commerce, and a new site is due to be launched soon.<br /><br />       <br />    * Homeware retailer Habitat displays its collection online, but still hasn't launched an e-commerce offering in the UK. Habitat seems to be cautiously dipping its toe into the water, with an e-commerce trial on its French site. We think Habitat would do really well online as the brand appeals to discerning buyers who aren't that price sensitive. Come on Habitat! http://emilyecho.blogr.com/stories/8187310/ Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:11:10 +0200 Emilyecho