VF Corp Expects 25% E-Commerce Growth, Could Need Same-Day Delivery

There is nothing like a company that knows where it going, how it will get there and has the results to prove it. E-retailers are pursuing to stake their share of the online market, which is revolutionizing the way we do business. VF Corp is showing they understand e-commerce and the future of it. Their online sales have continued to increase and show no signs of slowing down.

VF Corp has plans to grow its’ e-commerce sales 25% annually through 2017, reported Internet Retailer. The company’s goal is the reach $17 billion in global sales by that year, which forecasts $4.4 billion of that figure will consist of retail store and e-commerce. $17 billion is an aggressive projection; however, they have the numbers to back it up. VF brought in $215 million in online sales in 2012, compared to $177.9 million in 2011. We see a steady progression of online business and with the right direct-to-consumer sales strategies, VF’s goal is attainable.

VF is the parent company of 25 brands, including Wrangler, The North Face, Lee, Smartwool and Ella Moss. The growth strategy the company plans to implement consist of all of its’ brands increasing its’ e-commerce sales. VF operates 1,129 stores currently, yet plans to build an additional 645 stores by 2017. With more store locations, this can make VF more effective in the order fulfillment of online orders. Same-day couriers such as A-1 Express is a viable option to partner with to deliver online purchases that are made via e-commerce.

“Each of our brands is in the process of building a road map, bringing them to their state of excellence,” said vice president of VF direct/customer teams, Michael Gannaway. Gannaway said in the report these brand road maps included what could improve areas of marketing, social, usability, and fulfillment. All of these areas are vital within online retail and to make strides against the competition. Many large e-retailers, such as Wal-Mart, eBay, Amason, and more, are pursuing same-day delivery to meet the fulfillment aspect of online retail.

The e-commerce industry is expected to rise from 16% to 17% this year and experts forecast it will continue. One main driver is the increase in the use if smartphones, iPads, tablets, and iPhones. Technology has created the ease and comfortability needed for shoppers to engage more in online purchases. Technology will continue to grow speedily, and e-commerce will grow right along with it. With this type of growth, online demand for products to be delivered to shoppers faster is becoming pivotal to e-commerce. This is why many large e-retailers worldwide are being innovative with delivery solutions, which also can provide an edge over competitors.

VF Corp has a number of brands to develop e-commerce for and A-1 Express can assist the fulfillment of all of them. This nationwide courier has the transportation expertise to create a courier logistics solution to fit their e-commerce business model. With the emergence of same-day delivery of online products, it is inevitable VF will need a superior delivery system. A-1 Express is able to quickly implement same-day delivery for VF or any company to help meet online demand.

Reference: Internet Retailer, Kevin Woodward, VF expects e-commerce sales to grow 25% annually through 2017