E-tail industry experts have addressed retailers, explaining that customer service is what drives sales and not price slashing.Bricks and Mortar retailers were addressed by industry experts at a seminar, where they gathered with the intention to enhance their online presence and improve in ecommerce. The Engage in E-tail seminar was hosted by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA), and featured a series of seminar speakers from different internet oriented companies. Some of which included Quantium, Google, Dealsdirect.com.au, Portalogue, E-Commerce Websites and Sneaking Duck.
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A common theme was evident from one presentation to the next, with presenters claiming service, convenience and range were the primary reasons for online shopping, with cheap prices second.
The seminar was kicked off by ARA Executive Russell Zimmerman, saying that bricks and mortar stores need an online presence, as retail channels and online channels complement one another.
The seminar’s keynote speaker was Simon Smith from Quantium, who believes the strong Australia dollar can give consumers the little push they need shop online, with 68 per cent of online buyers preferring to shop domestically.
Google’s head of retail Ross McDonalds informed retailers on consumer researching trends. He pointed out that 60 per cent of Australians watch television with their notebook at arm’s length, encouraging retailers to use TV as a springboard for online shopping. He also recognised internet searching was the most widely used features on smartphones, and that retail shoppers often research in shopping centres prior to buying online.
Throughout August, September and October, the ARA and ASGA are hosting seminars on ecommerce and e-tailing. The seminars will cover topics including analysis of online trends and consumer shopping behaviour, strategies aimed at improving retailer’s online presence, getting retailers started online, sharing in store deals online, supply chain and logistics for online retail, m-commerce and social media for retail.
