Technology - June 2005
PillowsandThrows.com adds Nygard to bedding lineup
Consumers say convenience is No. 1 factor for buying online
GERS offering ‘customer-centric’ solutions
Checkpoint debuts retail security program for smaller retailers
Consoltex launches new Web site
PillowsandThrows.com adds Nygard to bedding lineup
PillowsandThrows.com has added Nygard Home's brand to add more diversity to the products and price points.
"We are looking for ways to make our products lineup more accessible to those shoppers with modern sensibilities on a moderate budget. Adding the Nygard Home line is a great way to bring moderate price points to the site without compromising style or quality,” said Scott Sandler, PillowsandThrows.com vice president. "The Nygard Home line is well-known in Canada and is sure to take off here in the U.S. as well. It is with great pleasure that we offer the Nygard Home trademark style and quality to our customers."
Since its introduction in November of 2004, PillowsandThrows.com has become a favorite of online shoppers seeking modern bedding and throw pillows from today's top designers. PillowsandThrows.com has also developed into a one-stop shop for interior designers, stylists and boutique hotel chains in need of unique contemporary bedding. The Web site is www.pillowsandthrows.com.
Consumers say convenience is No. 1 factor for buying online
American consumers opt for convenience when shopping and turn to electronic retailing to get the job done, according to the Electronic Retailing Association's Buyer Study. Conducted in March 2005 by Phoenix-based Ellison Research, the survey measured consumer shopping habits and preferences in four distinct direct response channels: radio, TV infomercials, home shopping and the internet and, among other findings, found that electronic retailing give consumers the ability to research and become informed about a product before purchasing, Thus, they are more inclined to use such outlets for repeat shopping.
The electronic retailing industry, which includes infomercials, live shopping, radio and online retailing, experienced an eight percent growth rate in 2004 and grossed over $296 billion. The growth of the industry, and the results of this study, further dispels any notion that only late night insomniacs purchase through direct response outlets. On average, consumers who purchase through electronic channels have a medium income over $57,000 and over 50 percent are college educated.
The leading motivator as to why people choose electronic retailers as their source for shopping is convenience. Based on the research, consumers indicated that shopping directly from home made it easier to make purchases and avoid the pressure sometimes unnecessarily placed by salespeople. Further findings showed that among those surveyed, almost 60 percent of online and TV shoppers will "definitely" purchase through this vehicle in the future, indicating their positive experience enticed shoppers to return for further purchases.
"The study has become a valuable tool for the ERA's more than 350 member companies to benchmark consumer patterns, analyze industry trends and determine how our industry can better serve America's consumers," said Barbara Tulipane, ERA President and CEO. "Our research determines that overall, consumers are happy with their electronic shopping experience and this is vital to ensure their repeat business."
Key research findings:
* Average number of purchases among online buyers rose substantially since
2004, from 8.5 to 12.0 per person;
* 86% of online purchases were planned and researched;
* Three out of four buyers had seen a product promoted on average three
times before buying it;
* 9 out of 10 online buyers said they made multiple visits to the same web
site before buying the product;
* 2/3 of TV shoppers had bought from the same company before their most
recent purchase;
* And, there is a 70% likelihood of multiple channel purchases, meaning
shoppers purchase from one or more electronic mediums. For example, 7
out of 10 radio buyers, TV shopping buyers, and TV infomercial buyers
have bought through more than one channel.
Over the past three years, research has shown an annual increase in each of the direct response outlets, concluding that direct response retailing is a viable, useful and convenient retailing opportunity.
The study was conducted by using a sample audience of 600 people with a +/-3.9 ratio.
GERS offering ‘customer-centric’ solutions
GERS Retail Systems, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for consumer-centric retailing, focused on showing retailers how GERS technologies can help them build brand loyalty and develop customers for life at its conference in May.
"To help retailers capture and retain today's more knowledgeable and demanding customers, GERS is delivering a Multi-Channel Commerce solution that create a seamless, satisfying shopping experience across all channels," said Stewart M. Bloom, president and CEO of GERS. "Also, we are providing integrated Planning and Analytics solutions that help retailers manage the performance of their business more effectively and profitably by assuring that their merchandise is precisely allocated to maximize sales and revenues, and that they can react quickly and easily to take advantage of changing trends and fast-breaking market opportunities."
In addition to product information and demonstrations, GERS presented three special presentations in their Business Impacts Theater entitled "Maximize Your Multi-Channel Opportunities," "Beyond Business Intelligence," and "Escape from EDI."
Checkpoint debuts retail security program for smaller retailers
Checkpoint Systems Inc., provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers worldwide, announced the launch of its Reseller Channel Partners VAR program designed to increase the availability of Checkpoint electronic article surveillance solutions to smaller retailers nationwide.
“Through our Reseller Channel Partners, smaller, independently owned stores and regional retailers will have access to the same industry-leading Checkpoint technology and excellent service that leading national food & drug, automotive, department store and other chains count on to reduce losses, increase sales and build profits,” said David Donnan, president, North America, of Checkpoint Systems. “While we’re meeting the needs of these smaller retailers through the channel partners program, our other sales resources will focus on servicing our major national and international accounts.”
Checkpoint has structured the program to assure that systems integrators and resellers who represent Checkpoint’s products meet high standards for organizational and financial structure, employ dedicated sales and service teams, and have significant experience in the retail marketplace.
Participants gain from the opportunity to work with a global leader in EAS, offering hardware and security labels from the original equipment manufacturer rather than third-party or offshore imports and gaining immediate revenue through recurring supplies sales. As Checkpoint continues to expand its shrink management solutions offerings, resellers will be able to expand their offerings to their retail customers. Checkpoint’s program has no geographic restrictions.
Consoltex launches new Web site
Consoltex, a manufacturer of woven fabrics, has launched its new corporate Web site. The Web site was developed by Absolunet, a Montreal-based IT business solutions provider and boasts a sophisticated and user-friendly design.
The web site benefits from many new features including:
- Expanded information about the company’s product solutions
- Opt-in e-mail communications (newsletter, releases, promotions)
- An integrated search engine powered by Copernic
- Multi-method navigation
- Medianamik content management system allowing for real-time updating of information by Consoltex staff.
- A unified, consistent look and friendly layout
- Flash animations
Christopher Gibbs, Director of Marketing at Consoltex said, "We are very happy to announce the launch of the new site. There is immense power in Web marketing and we intend on harnessing it where it relates to our products and services. “