In today’s Internet Retailing newsletter, we’re looking to the future of ecommerce in a world where European and international sales are likely to be ever-more significant. We report on a Forrester study that predicts European cross-border sales will pass €40bn (£28.5bn) by 2018, and envisages a future in which more of us will both buy and sell using websites that operate across Europe rather than within national borders.
The study comes as we report on two other IRUK 500 retailers now looking towards a European future. Shareholders in Top150 company Thorntons are considering a potential continental partnership for the business, after an offer from Ferrero International, owner of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher. Meanwhile, Holland & Barrett, also a member of the Top150, is enjoying growth on the continent.
Today we also report on an unexpected fall in online delivery volumes in May, and on online marketplace Fruugo as it adopts new technology to power global expansion.
Last but not least, today’s guest comment comes from Joe Cominsky of Unilever, on how ecommerce may point the way to a sustainable future. It has, he writes, “huge potential as a channel for environmental, economic and social wellbeing on a global scale.”
Our webinars
The next Internet Retailing webinar will be on July 1, when Rick Barbari of Digital River World Payments will join us to discuss how best to make websites attractive to cross-border shoppers. Digital River: how to optimise your ecommerce site for the cross-border consumer is at 2.30pm that day – find out more and register here.
Jim Davidson, head of research at Bronto Software, returns for his third webinar with Internet Retailing on July 2. He’ll consider what retailers can learn from the two ‘moments of truth’ when shoppers may drop out of the purchasing process – and how retailers can win them back. He’ll also unveil the findings of Bronto research into a shopping cart and product page audit that spans more than 100 retailers. Revenue rescue: saving sales when shoppers stray is at 2pm on July 2. Find out more and register for the free webinar here.
Click to visit the Internet Retailing webinars page to catch up on any that you may have missed.
The Internet Retailing Awards
The Internet Retailing Retailing Awards will be held on September 24 at the Mandarin Oriental, London. Nominations are now open – click here to nominate your own company or one whose work you admire, and tickets are now available to buy.
Our research reports
Our research editors research and produce regular reports on pertinent ecommerce issues. The latest, on Conversion Rate Optimisation, comes from Liz Morrell who explains here why this is a must-read report. Click on the links too to download your free copies of the Seasonal Commerce Report and Customer Experience Report.
