Holiday Sales Expected To Rise 15%, Can use Same-Day Courier To Meet Shopping Demand

The holiday shopping season is almost here, and retailers are getting ready for another big sales year. Shoppers are known to be going into the physical stores to make their gift purchases, yet it is likely what will have a big year will be sale online. Shop.org has released some new information regarding the online holiday season, and their forecasts suggest this will probably be the greatest year for e-retailers.

Internet Retailer reported that Shop.org has released some headline forecasts that e-retail sales will increase between 13% and 15% this year. Holiday web sales are expected to reach $82 billion in November and December as well. Shop.org is the e-commerce arm of the well-known National Retail Federation (NRF). The NRF estimates the total US retail sales for the two major holiday months will increase 6.9% from 2012 to $602.1 billion. These are impressive numbers for the holiday season, especially in regards to slow-growth economy.

Other market research firms weighed in on this year’s online shopping forecasts. EMarketer stated in the report it projects US holiday e-retail sales will increase 15.1% this year in comparison to 2012. Deloitte LLP stated it expects US non-store sales will jump 12.5% to 13%. Shop.org was able to produce these its’ projections based on governmental data. The data types included account consumer confidence, monthly retail sales increases, disposable personal income, and other factors. Online retail has consistently grown 16% overall in recent years, and it appears 2013 will be no different.

The growth of technology usage will have a great impact on this year’s holiday shopping as well. Matthew Shay, NRF President and CEO, stated in the report, “Online and mobile continue to be a leading area of growth for retailers. In this economy savvy, cost-conscious consumers go to the web to do their research and get the best bang for their buck. In addition to researching what their peers are saying online about products and gifts this holiday season, consumers will use the buy online, pick-up in store option, retailers’ apps and mobile websites to find something special for their loved ones.”

There will be shorter time frames this holiday season between holidays than last year. There will only be 25 shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, versus 31 days in 2012. Also, consumers will have only four full weekends versus five last year to shop. This will more than likely steer shoppers to be focused and utilize mobile retail to make the purchases they are looking for. E-retailers are gearing up to use same-day delivery for online sales as well.

With the holiday sales growth expected to occur, e-retailers can partner with Same-Day Couriers like A-1 Express to create new innovative ways to meet their online demand. A-1 Express can deliver their customers’ online purchases right their doorsteps within hours. The Chicago Courier also has a national footprint, enabling the company to be a one-stop courier for any e-retailer. At the pace e-retail is going, orders will have to be fulfilled quickly and effectively, which A-1 Express has the courier expertise to develop a sound same-day delivery solution.

Reference: 10.3.13, Internet Retailer,Thad Reuter, E-retail could jump 15% this holiday season

Google Launches Shopping Express App for Same-Day Delivery

Retailers big and small are investing more into same-day delivery than ever before. Retail giants like Wal-Mart, eBay, Amazon, Target, BestBuy, and more are offering some form of same-day delivery to get their online products into the hands of their customers fast. Google joined the race this year testing the service. Now, Google is ready to take another leap with its' official expansion of same-day delivery.

Google has announced that same-day delivery program, Google Shopping Express, has been expanded and more customers can now utilize the service. Customers that can use Google Shopping Express are within the delivery zone of San Francisco to San Jose. Google offers online shoppers the option of having their purchases delivered within hours, even up to 9pm. This is a dynamic service for Google being the company is so robust online. Everyone knows Google, which sets the platform for a high level of shopper usage.

The online company will also offer a six-month free trial to shoppers who create a Google Shopping Express Membership through December 31. The final price for the membership has not been released by Google, however, the cost for non-members is $4.99 per store pick up. This pricing for many customers should be attractive, being it is only on a per store basis. Google has partnered with various retailers for Shopping Express.

With the growth of online shopping via techhology such as tablets, smartphones, and ipads, retailers know they must make shopping online with these devices easier. Along with its' same-day delivery e-commerce program, Google also decided to launch a mobile app for shoppers to use as well. This is no surprise since shoppers are using on-the-go technology, especially tablets, to make purchases from wherever they are.

Online retail is growing annually and Google is making the right move at the right time, especially before the holiday season takes off. Other e-retailers have created new services recently as well, namely Wal-Mart and Instacart. Both have begun to create same-day grocery delivery service, which is likely to be very successful. With Wal-Mart, shoppers can even create an online order and come pick up their purchase at various store locations. This shows same-day delivery will have a key role in future e-commerce.

Google is one company on the move with same-day delivery. It's investment, along with many other retail giants, shows this innovative service is not just a trend, but a viable way will conduct business in the future. Same-Day Couriers like A-1 Express can partner with any retailer to meet their same-day delivery needs. This San Francisco Courier has a national footprint, enabling the courier to assist any e-retailer to be successful online.

Reference: 9.25.13, Internet Retailer, Thad Reuter, Google expands its same-day e-commerce delivery program

Chinese Retailer Delivers In One Hour, So Can Same-Day Courier

Retailers are all diving in head first into same-day delivery and it is revolutionizing the way we do business. Whether it is brick-and-mortar stores delivering online purchases to shoppers' homes or e-retailers fulfilling their online orders fast, e-commerce is literally on the move more than it every has before. This is not only in the US, but worldwide. Ask Kuaishubao.com how to approach same-day delivery and the company will share what its' doing that is making it so successful on its' home turf.

Kuaishubao, a Chinese online retailer, is highly successful with the great service niche of getting products delivered to its' customers within one hour. Internet Retailer reported about the company's trendy same-day delivery that is getting so much attention in China. The retailer provides a guaranteed one-hour delivery within seven Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Per Kuaishubao's CEO and Founder Zhiming Xu, most of their couriers make their deliveries within 30 minutes. This is an astounding figure for same-day delivery.

“I can easily find shopping malls on the Internet, but I could never find an online convenience store. I founded Kuaishubao to build an online convenient store with the fastest delivery in China", said Xu. The Kuaishubao founder said he was inspired by the fast pace if McDonald's hamburger chain. The online delivery system is built on the concept of have many small 1,000 square foot warehouses in each of its' service cities. It also keeps about 1,000 SKU's of products within the warehouses, such as magazines, gifts, instant beverages, and popular books. Each warehouse services about a 3.1 mile radius. With this close proximity, a motorbike driver is able to reach any delivery address in 20 minutes.

The company has the numbers to prove it has a same-day delivery system that works. It has 100,000 registered users and sales are expected to hit $2.5 million this year. This is all with little advertising. The reported stated 40% of its' revenue is from books and magazines, and 20% from ready-to-mix foods and beverages. The gross margin for Kuaishubao is currently 20%, yet can grow as the company seeks to expand. Xu stated he is going to expand to the company into three more cities. Although growth is slow, the longevity of Kuaishubao will depend heavily on a solid foundation to consistently meet online demand. This is exactly why retail giants such as Wal-Mart, eBay, and Amazon have tested same-day delivery before offering it nationwide.

Kuaishubao is just an example of how even small online companies can become be successful with the right delivery system and an out-of-the-box idea. The company uses its' own couriers, however, many other e-retailers use Same-Day Couriers like A-1 Express to meet their same-day delivery needs. This Las Vegas Courier has the courier expertise to assist any e-retailer create a dynamic delivery logistics solution. If Kuaishubao is performing this level of e-retail in China, A-1 Express can help perform hour deliveries in the US.

Reference: 9.16.13, Internet Retailer, Frank Tong, How a Chinese e-retailer delivers the goods in one hour

Wal-Mart Partner Yihaodan Launches Same-Day Delivery Of Fresh Food In China

Wal-Mart hasn't always been a major player in the global market, but now thee retail giant services 28 countries and show no signs of slowing down. Wal-Mart Global is growing tremendously by investing and utilizing e-commerce. The past week showed the direction Wal-Mart is going relative to expanding its' e-retail products in China via its' e-commerce partner Yihaodian.

Internet Retailer has recently reported China online retailer Yihaodian has launched selling fresh fruit in Beijing. Yihaodian began selling online to Shanghai shoppers only five months ago, and now, it has expanded to same-day delivery of fruit of 1,200 order daily. The report also stated the company is seeking to offer the service in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which are two more large cities that would be profitable.

The retail company has been able to quickly expand its' services largely due to its' partnership with Wal-Mart. Vice President of Yihaodian Guo Dongdong stated, “Since Yihaodian can get the support of the logistics networks of Wal-Mart China, we could enter the fresh food section faster and easier than others”. Wal-Mart operates 390 stores in 150 cities in China, which communicates they are having a high level of success there. The partnership appears to be long-term, and Wal-Global will probably use China as a blueprint for the service in other countries.

Wal-Mart Global's partnership with Yihaodian didn't just recently forge. The companies began working together on the e-commerce front in February 2012. At the time, Wal-Mart Global made a heavy investment into the well-known Chinese e-commerce based company, which sales not only fruit, but also daily consumer items such as groceries, consumer electronics and apparel. Wal-Mart has a 51% stake in Yihaodian. This means Wal-Mart Global is making strong efforts to utilize e-retail to sell its' products.

Yihaodan has gained various advantages by its' Wal-Mart partnership. The company utilizes Wal-Mart warehouses to store the fresh fruit. Wal-Mart also holds import licenses for fresh food, which Chinese consumers prefer them import, especially due to reports of contaminated Chinese food products. Yihaodan has to provide the delivery system of their foods, which does require same-day delivery for its' perishables. Yihaodan has been growing at a double-digit rate since its' joining with Wal-Mart last year.

Wal-Mart Global's success with Yihaodan's fruit and fresh food sales is contingent upon how well the products can be delivered. Same-day delivery courier services such as A-1 Express area viable option for companies that are venturing into expanding their e-retail efforts. Companies like Wal-Mart, eBay, Target, and can use A-1 Express on a a national scale and meet all their same-day delivery needs. Whether fruits or groceries, this New Jersey Courier can create an innovative e-retail courier solution fit for your business strategy.

References: 9.11.13, Internet Retailer, Frank Tong, Wal-Mart’s Chinese e-commerce partner starts selling fresh food

Amazon Paved The Way, More E-Retailers Start Same-Day Delivery

More and more e-retailers have grabbed hold of same-day courier delivery and its’ benefits. Yet, this is not the only reason many of them have chosen this route for their order fulfillment. One company named Amazon, due to its’ enormous success, has caused e-retailers to follow its’ steps within the world of e-commerce, even if it comes at a cost.

These e-retailers are taken a loss to offer same-day delivery and still expect to grow reported Internet Retailer. Online giant Amazon is the cause because the company is offering same-day delivery this way. The report discussed how Amazon launched its’ Local Express delivery service in 2009 in seven major metropolitan markets. Amazon still offers same-day delivery in these same markets today. It even has added four more major cities that offer it as well. However, Amazon doesn't publicize same-day delivery nationwide.

Amazon sparked the interest of e-retailers to explore same-day delivery a little more and seek after legitimate growth from it. The question e-retailers began to ask is can it truly work? Now e-retailers in various markets are testing same-day delivery and/or have implemented it as a part of their shipping services. Fashion apparel company Planet Blue in Southern California started offering same-day delivery to its’ customers this year. The company offers same-day delivery via a same-day courier for $19.99 within a 50-mile radius of its’ distribution center.

For Planet Blue, it’s working in spite of recent surveys that have clearly shown shoppers will not pay over $10 for the same-day service. The key factor will Planet Blue is its’ average order is $200, therefore, its’ customers are willing to pay an additional $19.99 for the premium service and convenience. “By offering this option, we can serve our customers in a new and better way—for that last-minute date or that evening or weekend event that they need the perfect dress for,” said Eugene Kang, VP of e-commerce. “We also have a loyal celebrity clientele that may want to shop in private and receive premium service.”

Other retailers, such as Wal-Mart, eBay, Target, Macy's, Best Buy, and more are all using same-day delivery, which all began with online front runner Amazon. Andrew Schmahl, principal at consulting firm Booz & Company stated in the report, "Every retail or transportation client we work with mentions Amazon.com's same-day shipping program in the first paragraph of our conversation". With online business growing annually over 16%, it is apparent same-day delivery will be in demand more and more.

Planet Blue is not the only e-retailer using same-day courier service to pick up and delivery their products. Most of all retailers performing same-day delivery is partnering with couriers like A-1 Express to fulfill their online orders. A-1 Express is a viable option for same-day delivery because it has a national footprint, enabling the company to help nationwide corporations quickly implement same-day delivery. This Chicago Courier is an expert at courier logistics and can create a shipping solution that fits any e-retailers’ same-day delivery plan for growth.

Reference: 8.29.13, Internet Retailer, Katie Evans, The rise of same-day deliveries, thanks in part to Amazon