Following on from our previous post about the recession being “over” it is timely to report that in 2009 UK shoppers spent the most online than any other country in Europe.
Bucking the idea that consumers have stopped spending UK shoppers spent a massive £38 billion online last year, which despite being the last country out of the recession, makes Britain the largest online market in Europe.
There are of course many factors influencing this outcome, namely the fact that here in the UK we have greater access to PC and higher levels of internet activity, but above all we are a nation of bargain hunters and with many online retailers offering savings of up to 20% compared to the high street it is logical that online is where we would shop. Not surprising is the fact that online sales accounted for 10% of all retail purchases last year.
Experts forecast that countries such as Poland, France and Spain will be the fastest growing online markets in 2010 with Britain slowing down in growth but still remaining the largest market in Europe.
So how can online retailers continue strong in 2010?
- Hit the consumer with your marketing message at every angle with an integrated marketing campaign that utilises online and offline techniques.
- Offer value for money; whether it is loyalty schemes, free gifts or money off discounts. Searches for discount vouchers went up 47% in 2009 because people are looking online to save a little money or get more for their money.
- Reinforce that you are a reliable and safe retailer.
- Offer the full customer experience with an excellent easy to use website, quality products and top notch after sales service.
(Sources New York Times, BBC and Herald Scotland)
Tags: retail
