Developing a Web-to-Store Strategy
Growing online retail sales involves expert ecommerce web design strategy and awareness as to how shoppers are researching and buying products. The approach to purchasing items has evolved with the advent of the internet and web2store sites, consumers begin their shopping experience online.


ENNIS, IRELAND, March 07, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Online retail shopping is transforming the way in which consumers purchase products and goods. Why is Web2Store important to a retailer's "bricks & mortar" business? The world of ecommerce solutions has now started to increase footfall to stores because a well thought out online retail strategy should cater for not only the online buyer but it should also address the needs of shoppers who prefer to visit the store themselves. Web2Store consumers are internet savvy, professionally qualified and have access to cash which they want to spend. However, they also want a positive and rewarding shopping experience. The Web2Store experience begins online with a search for a particular item or product.

Web2store shoppers can be categorised accordingly. They begin their shopping online for large purchases such as furniture or clothing, so the online search occurs after hours at home, or during a lunch break. Online shoppers use the web to shortlist retailers who meet their product search requirements - making notes of brands, prices and key product features. Having completed the online search, they arrive at the desired store, and they know exactly what they want to purchase upon arrival.

Of course, there is an expectation that the floor staff is aware of the online offer researched; the customer may also ring the shop to confirm availability of a specific item which they have seen online, prior to arriving at the store. So staff training regarding a store's online shop is even more important if you want to grow cross-channel sales. The Web2Store shopper tends to earn in a higher income bracket, and their actual average spend in-store may be higher than a regular shopper.

Why is having a web-to-store strategy important now? One of the major advantages of allowing customers to check store availability of sought after items online, is clear - it encourages footfall into the actual retail outlet. The consumer has already made a decision to purchase the item, even before arriving; in addition, while the customer is in the store, he or she may make a further purchase before heading to the cash register.

Ultimately, retail owners and managers want to increase the footfall into their stores, especially when the customer is far more likely to make a buying decision before vacating the store. Web2Store consumers have done their research, and will arrive at the selected store with a very clear purchasing goal in mind. Recognising this change in the consumers approach to shopping is one positive, but the second is to be aware of how to adapt your current website so that it has a full e-commerce solution to encourage store visits. Is your site user friendly, giving information on store locations, opening times and up-to-date stock availability?

It is surprising how many retailers are still not aware of the power of Web to influence in-store purchase. If you can present your entire product range in a manageable and organised manner, you have created a digital asset. Investing in a web-to-store site will push customers through your doors, attracting potential missed sales, as well as grow your online orders from beyond your natural geographical borders.

If you would like to find out more about what your own requirements are and how you can potentially profit from having a web-to-store strategy, please contact Paul McGurran, Director of eCommerce. If your retail website requires a makeover, the online marketing strategists at Magico will be most happy to assist.

Magico.ie will help you to increase your online sales potential by redesigning your website so that it draws consumers to the site and then into your store, where the actual buying of the product occurs. Magico.ie knows all about the power of driving shoppers to your online store where they can browse your product range and make secure purchases.

Further Related Resources:


Press Release Contact Information:

Orla Sheedy
Magico.ie
Online Marketing Consultant
Fergus Lodge Clonroad Bridge
Clonroad, Ennis, Co. Clare
Ireland 0000
Voice: +353 (0) 65 686 4580
Website: Visit Our Website