U.K.’s Retailer Argos Competing Online Via Same-Day Delivery

The online market is evolving as the place of business to invest in for the future. This is true for not only the United States, but also worldwide. United Kingdom's retail chain Argos is pursuing great strides to take e-commerce by storm and appears is utilizing different delivery methods to do it.

Internet Retailer has reported Argos is competing online using same-day delivery of their retail products. The company is a key multichannel retailer of general merchandise in the United Kingdom. Argos operates over 730 stores there. Through London-based leading courier Shutl, Argos is providing same-day delivery to almost half of its' customers nationwide. The deliveries are currently offered within a 10 mile radius of an individual store.

The Argos delivery service involves online automation on their site at checkout. If a customer lives within an area Shutl provides delivery services, they are offered the option to have their items shipped via same-day delivery and also same-hour delivery. Argos has been partnering with Shutl since 2010.

Shutl is the courier Argos has partnered with to offer same-day delivery to its' customers and has seen results. Argos Home Delivery Director Brian McCarthy stated in the report, "The Shutl option is shown to the customer at the very end of their shopping journey and, theoretically, we have already converted the customer. However, from the repeat occurrences and the positive feedback we have received from users, it is both a fast and convenient way of getting goods to the customer, and offers yet another route that give customers added choice and convenience.”

United Kingdom is not the only country where same-day delivery is clearly being recognized and pursued as a competitive advantage online. The US Postal Service is currently testing same-day delivery via Metro Post in San Francisco right now. The Postal Service has lost billions in recent years and is seeking ways to increase sales. Retail giants such as eBay and Wal-Mart are also testing same-day delivery in various markets throughout the US. It is no secret same-day delivery is a viable option and it works.

Online companies and retailers are partnering with same-day courier services like A-1 Express to compete online nationwide. This Dallas courier offers same-day delivery courier solutions for small packages, palletized freight and more. With the latest courier technology and industry expertise, A-1 Express is able to help companies excel with their order fulfillment and satisfy their online customers. A courier is the best choice for online business deliveries as e-commerce demands grow.

Reference: 1.24.13, Internet Retailer, Paul Demery, Same-day delivery helps U.K.’s Argos retail chain compete online

Mobile Commerce Sales Hit Almost 25 Billion! Improve M-Commerce With Same-Day Delivery

Although their were low holiday sales last year, overall m-commerce for the year stood to be very impressive. The results are in for mobile commerce in 2012 and experts do like what they have found.

M-Commerce sales reached an impressive $24.66 billion in 2012 reported E-Marketer via Internet Retailer. The results means m-commerce increased an astounding 81% from a year ago. E-Marketer received the numbers from counting the sales made from tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Retail sales from mobile devices accounted for 11% of online sales last year, which is up from 7% in 2011. EMarketer forecasts m-commerce will increase to 15% in 2013. US m-commerce sales will also rise to 55.7% to $38.4 billion in 2013 as well.

In the article, the research firm giant stated, “EMarketer’s m-commerce forecast reflects a confluence of three trends. First, the expanding number of smartphone shoppers whose behavior affects commerce in all channels; second, the growing number of smartphone buyers who enjoy the immediacy of purchasing through their phone and are expected to generate just over one-third of m-commerce sales this year; and third, the rapid rise in tablet shopping, which will produce the bulk of m-commerce sales over the next four years.”

M-commerce definitely appears like it is here to stay and will only increase in the years to come. Many companies are aware of the trends of m-commerce and are implementing various business strategies to pull shoppers to their retail sites. One of those strategies is offering shoppers a faster way to get their products in their hands via same-day delivery. Wal-Mart, eBay, Macy's, Target, and more are currently testing same-day delivery throughout the US. This type of service creates a huge competitive advantage online.

Same-day courier services like A1Express are able to partner will online retailers and help them be successful with their online deliveries. With the speed of ordering via M-Commerce that shoppers have, an effective delivery solution is vital to your order fulfillments. From small packages to palletized freight, A1Express can delivery fast! The Atlanta courier has the transportation expertise to help your business take the lead in m-commerce.

Reference: 1.10.13, Internet Retailer, Bill Siwicki, M-commerce sales near $25 billion in 2012, up 81%

Retailers Absorb Hit Of Low Holiday Sales, Better Deliveries Helped Online Sales Grow

With a successful Black Friday and Thanksgiving having a record of four $1 billion days of sales, every retailer, whether a small business and large corporation, expected to see more of it. The holiday sales season was on a record pace that the economy had not seen consistently in a while. However, those sales numbers changed for the worst.

Holiday sales grew at the lowest since 2008 reported Fox News via the Associated Press. Sales were expected to grow 3 to 4 percent this year, however, they grew a low 0.7 percent for the two months before Christmas. Even in the midst of the 2008 recession, sales grew at 2 to 3 percent. In 2011, sales increased by 4 to 5 percent. "A lot of the Christmas spirit was left behind way back in Black Friday weekend. We had one reason after another for consumers to say, 'I'm going to stick to my list and not go beyond it.'", stated Marshal Cohen, chief research analyst at NPD Incorporated. It appears most shoppers planned to do the bulk of their shopping during the popular four-day sales extravaganza. Shoppers appeared to not be interested in buying more gifts after that.

Numerous of events had an affect on consumer spending this holiday season. Storm Sandy put the northeast region of the country in the position to spend their extra money on recovery. This part of the country accounts for 24 percent of total retail sales. The devastation of the Newtown shooting right before Christmas caused many Americans to center their attention elsewhere than shopping. The uncertainty of the economy and looming fiscal cliff going into 2013 weighed in also.

Online sales for the holidays grew at least 8.4 percent reported payments card company MasterCard. In contrast, Chase Paymentech released online sales went up 15.3 percent. Either way, retailers are happy they did gain ground online, which makes up 10 percent of holiday sales. Many shoppers utilized their smartphones, iPads, and more to find the best online deals. In addition to deals, online sales also increased due to retailers offering better deliveries. Retailers offered offered later cut-off dates and guaranteed delivery on Christmas Eve, along with free shipping.

Delivering online products fast is becoming more attractive to shoppers, even same-day delivery. Retailers like Wal-Mart, eBay and Macy's are currently offering same-day delivery of their products and testing these services throughout the US. Same-day delivery is as close as shoppers can get to a physical store, which they are able to save time and money. The retailer that can perform same-day delivery will be successful in the years to come.

Same-day couriers like A-1 Express is a viable option to help your order fulfillment and online growth. This San Diego courier is an experienced, professional courier with the ability to fast! From small packages to palletized freight, A-1 Express can help retailers implement courier logistic solutions to meet online demand and expand quickly nationwide.

Reference: 12.26.12. Associated Press, US retailers report weakest holiday sales since 2008; Internet Retailer, Zak Stambor, Mixed messages on holiday sales