In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we’re reporting as retailers look to transform their businesses to meet the changing way that the customer wants to buy, now and in the longer-term future. That future is not only about buying in a more convenient way, but about doing so in a more sustainable way.
Debenhams names the first 22 of its stores that are to close as the retailer adapts to the way that shoppers now use online as well as stores to buy. We report as Amazon continues to develop its future around voice commerce, faster and more convenient delivery, while boosting the use of renewable energy and pledging to reduce carbon emissions to zero.
Meanwhile, Shop Direct is outsourcing its returns business ahead of its 2021 move to an automated distribution centre, while H&M is becoming more transparent – and, it hopes, sustainable – about the way that it shares product information. Analysis from Doddle, meanwhile suggests that having online deliveries made to a click and collect point rather than the home would be better for the environment, reducing the number of delivery vehicle journeys – and vehicles needed. It’s an interesting study and it seems there’s real potential for collection points to work in a more environmentally-friendly way – so long as retailers also reduce their journeys to those collection points at the same time.
Today we’re also reporting as Sports Direct extends the deadline for its takeover bid for Findel. Last but not least, we have news of this year’s InternetRetailing Ecommerce Cup 2019.
Our guest comment comes from Chris Constantine of SYZYGY on using digital channels to offer free samples – and win new customers.
The latest episode of the InternetRetailing RetailCraft podcast features David Boyle, customer insights director at Harrods, alongside a discussion of the latest RetailX report, on the luxury sector. This is the ninth edition of the podcast – subscribe to it through Apple Podcasts to catch up on previous episodes and make sure you don’t miss another.
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