The
debate over whether traders need to establish an online presence has been going
on for years. While the overall share of online retailing still hangs around
10% of total retail sales the argument for an online presence for humble market
traders has been difficult to sustain but that is all changing.
Rapid
Growth - all categories of retailing are recording some pretty amazing growth
figures for online sales. There is little doubt that consumers are embracing
the convenience of online shopping. In a rare show of confidence, Walmart have
announced that they expect next years online sales to grow by 40%. When a
mainstream retailer predicts that growth you can be confident it says something
about mainstream consumer habits.
Even
10% Is Significant - imagine getting a 10% boost in sales every week for a
little website maintenance which these days you can do from your stall during
quiet times. Using your mobile to add products to your website beats the hell
out of playing games. And if retail trends are any guide, the potential for
increasing sales seems guaranteed.
As
one of our Trader Representatives said this week - traders need to find
additional sources of income as we work our way through the retail revolution.
It is all the little income add-ons that will determine survival for many
traders.
A
Natural Integration - one of our traders who has embraced online (in clothing)
says that he now knows what retail commentators mean when they talk about
“seamless integration” between bricks’n’mortar and online. It is not one or the
other, but a combination of both sales sources that characterises his
relationship with customers. More and more of his online customers are visiting
his stall when they come to Melbourne. The secret is to be available either
online or at your stall when the customer decides to buy.
Have Your Say - click here.