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

Working Out The Kinks Of Mobile Shopping, Same-Day Delivery Makes It Better!

Mobile shopping is becoming more and more a vital aspect of retail business online. The growth of online business during the holidays this year is proof of that. However, many experts feel m-commerce, although it is rising, it still has some kinks that have to be worked out to really cause it to soar like retailers want.

Fortune Magazine reported details on just how shoppers are using the different modes of mobile tech gadgets to shop and many were interesting. Mobile shopping made up 10% of e-commerce in the quarter ending in September. What tech consultants found is that shoppers are not using their smartphones mostly to conduct their online shopping. Many companies envisioned mobile shopping to be easily captured via smartphone, but it's not. In contrast, analysts say it's difficult for consumers to use their smartphone to shop. Forrester analyst Sucharita Mulpuru said in the report, "The smartphone is actually a terrible device to complete a transaction on. There's no question that the tablet is easier."

Tablets are clearly proving to be leading the way. Forrester stated that tablets accounted for 3.2% of all US online retail sales, while smartphones only accounted for 1.5%. More interesting data by Denver online retailer eBags showed 10.8% of tablet traffic and created 10.4% of sales. Smartphone traffic represented 8.4%, however, only accounted for 2.9% of sales. Tablets are similar to having a desktop in your hand and are easier to perform transactions with having bigger screens, buttons, and greater comfort with actual performing transactions. Smartphones appear to be used more so for researching deals, even when inside physical stores comparing prices. Shoppers also will research on their smartphones, and then, make their purchase when they get home.

There are over double the number of smartphones that exist than tablets. EBags is researching how to make the mobile shopping experience more attractive on smartphones by making bigger buttons and eliminating dead spots that receive few clicks. They also want to make it easier to navigate. During Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, online sales had four days of over $1 billion in spending by shoppers. Mobile devices accounted for 16% of all sales during this high time.

Shoppers also want fast delivery from their mobile devices. Retail giants like Wal-Mart and eBay understand this, and in fact, are currently testing same-day delivery for online orders in San Francisco and other US cities. Amazon offers shoppers to have their purchases delivered in one day to Amazon Locker pick up locations and can be picked up easily by the customer. This is another creative way to deliver online products faster.

Same-day couriers like A-1 Express can partner with any retail company and help bring a competitive advantage to their mobile online sales. Your company can utilize a courier to make same-day deliveries of their products online within a 30 mile radius of your business locations and/or distribution centers throughout the US. The Miami courier has a nationwide footprint and can implement a courier logistics solution to fit the direction of your online business. Mobile shopping with your company will be made more attractive when customers see you can deliver what they buy fast.

Reference: 12.21.12, Fortune Magazine, Verne Kopytoff, Surging yes, but mobile shopping still has a long way to go

Best Places To Start A Business

When starting a business, one of the big key questions taken where should you start it. This is especially important with the current slow economy in the US. The government is looking very highly on those who do start businesses, viewing them a job creators. Sometimes, depending on your market and product, its' best for start-up companies to open their doors in certain cities that fit.

A recent report by CNN Money has found there are cities that are considered the best places to start a business. Within these cities right now, start-ups are experiencing growth. Below are some of the cities on their list.

Boulder, Colorado - Boulder is one the best places to start in the technology industry. Entrepreneurs say it has similarities to Silicon Valley, yet without the high costs to start there. You will find investors and mentors there. The city has less than 300,000 people, however, attracts a large amount of venture capital. The highlight in Boulder is their TechStar start-up development program. Since 2007, the program has helped 65 start-ups generate $115 million in funding.

Cincinnati, Ohio - The city had falling venture capital, however, big corporations have started what is called Cintrifuse. The program provides office space, connections, and access to investors nationwide via a special funding program. CincyTech, a nonprofit venture capital provider, also assists start-ups with early funding and mentoring classes.

Des Moines, Iowa - The city is becoming more popular for start-ups. Organizations such as StartupCity Des Moines, are helping to provide work space, funding and networking opportunities for companies beginning there. Start-up Iowa, which exists under the Start-up America initiative, hosts educational events and network opportunities.

Omaha, Nebraska - The Big Omaha is a conference the city holds, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest attend this yearly event. Start-ups also have at their disposal the Silicon Prairie News, a digital media company that helps the start-up business community as a whole. The report also stated Omaha is home of many large corporations that are looking for start-up companies to work with.

Whatever your business may be, start-up businesses also need to handle the growth, which with the increases of e-commerce and online selling, can occur at a rapid pace. With the need to fulfill orders, nationwide couriers such as A-1 Express can be a viable option to help make deliveries as a start-up company. This Indianapolis courier is able to create specific courier logistic solutions fit for your company. A-1 Express has quick courier implementation and can make it easier to meet demand in other markets.

Reference: 11.27.12, CNN Money, Jose Pagliery, Cities Where Startups Are Thriving

Cyber Monday Hits Record Sales, Couriers Offer Online Deliveries Faster

Holiday online sales were underway in strong fashion yesterday. Experts were forecasting online sales to increase on Cyber Monday, but didn't know they would be as impressive as they were, even record-breaking.

MSN reported this Cyber Monday was the biggest in its' history. Sales grew this year over 30% overall, according to the IBM benchmark, which performs the sales tracking. "Cyber Monday was not only the pinnacle of the Thanksgiving shopping weekend but when the cash register closed it officially became the biggest online shopping day ever," said Jay Henderson, strategy director at IBM. Data tracking firm, ComScore, had a different figure of 20% increase from 2011, yet still is an online sales record of $1.5 billion.

Department stores saw the highest online sales growth with 43%. Wal-Mart and BestBuy are a few examples of retailers that viewed it was a must to be involved in Cyber Monday. These were also two retailers among those that users searched for the most online. So far this holiday season, online sales are higher than in-store sales.

Online shopping still only makes up 10% of the total retail sales. However, with the heavy numbers from Cyber Monday, retailers are seeing consumers are becoming more comfortable shopping online. Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and iPads, are adding a higher level of convenience and shopping ease. Shopping online will continue to grow, as well as the customer demand to receive their products delivered to their front door faster.

Same-day couriers like A-1 Express are able to help e-retailers offer delivery their online products faster. Companies such as eBay, Macy's, Target, and even Wal-Mart, are already testing same-day delivery in several of their markets. A-1 Express is a nationwide courier with the courier expertise to meet any of your online order fulfillment needs, even during the fast-paced holiday season. Whether a small business or large corporation, A-1 Express can provide a fast courier solution to help you take advantage of the online sales growth.

Reference: 11.27.12, Yahoo News/CNNMoney, Blake Ellis, Cyber Monday sales reach new record

Here Comes Cyber Monday, Couriers Offer Retailers Same-Day Delivery

Cyber Monday is almost here and shoppers are ready. Mobile commerce is growing, with a 66% increase on Thanksgiving this year. Following a big Black Friday, e-retailers are happy and expecting for the new popular sales day to be the same.

Cyber Monday is expected to generate online sales of roughly $1.5 billion this year, which is up from $1.2 billion from 2011. CNN Money reported the forecast from Andrew Lipsman, industry analyst expert. Last year's record for Cyber Monday hit $52.4 billion, which includes days beginning on Thanksgiving up to Cyber Monday. Retailers started this year revealing their online shopping deals on Thanksgiving, which IBM Benchmark shows sales increased by 17%.

IBM Benchmark also reported in the article online sales were up 24% on Black Friday by evening time. E-Retailers are making a big push to promote online shopping throughout the 4-day frenzy. Jay Henderson, IBM Strategy Director stated, "We've absolutely seen this whole weekend turn into one big promotional event. Black Friday deals are no longer just for the [brick-and-mortar] store, and Cyber Monday deals are no longer just for Monday." Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, stated their online sales even before Thanksgiving.

Retailers have definitely stepped outside the box to capture shoppers' attention for Cyber Monday. Online retailers also are stepping outside the box testing markets to offer same-day delivery for online sales. Retailers understand that shoppers desire to receive what they buy faster than ever. It's not enough to have a great deal, but the shopper has to wait days to receive it. The company that can meet the delivery demand will be the retailers that comes out on top.

Same-day couriers like A-1 Express can help retailers provide same-day delivery on Cyber Monday. This New York courier has a a national footprint and the expertise to meet any same-day delivery demand. A-1 Express can also be partnered with to respond to immediate delivery returns of merchandise, resulting in high level of customer responsiveness. From small packages to large freight, A-1 Express delivers every time!

References: 11.23.12, CNN Money, Julianne Pepitone, Cyber Monday starts early this year