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Online Retailing Changes Heading for the UK |
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Various stories have appared in the IT journals and in the mainstream business papers warning of a slowdown in online retailing. Data from the USA indicates that growth in slowing in areas such as books and clothing and some analysts predict that the UK will follow suit. It is now clear if the US decline is internet related or a symptom of the general health of the US economy. What is clear is that a change in the UK online shopping experience is coming.
Shoppers are strating to look for a different experience when they purchase goods online. Many of us still want to quickly find our product and pay securely through the checkout process. However the advent of Web 2.0 ideas has made many retailers consider ways of making the online experience more like visiting a real shop. The in-store and the online processes will move closer together and there will be more community and social services on the new Web 2.0 type web sites. How all these developments will work to the benefit of the retailer in selling more goods and services and making an extra profit is far from clear.
Some the big names in UK retailing, such as Tesco and Marks & Spencer are now wrestling with predicting the future. The UK has, up to now, followed the same path as the US and a decline may appear in 6 to 12 months. What is clear is that your customers will expect to find richer content and more interactive features on web sites.
If your web site needs a face lift then consider getting KPR i-Services to move it to a Content Management System where multimedia elements and interactive services such as forums and personal areas are readily available. Contact us now for a no obligation discussion on what is possible today.
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