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Third of retailers think a website now more important than a physical store: Barclaycard

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A third of retailers think it’s now more important to have a website than a physical store – and one in six has moved to become an online-only retailer in the past year, according to a new Barclaycard study.

The findings come as the Doorstep Economy report from Barclaycard paints a picture of businesses getting ready to meet customer demand for ‘on demand’ products and services, available for delivery at home or work. Such services include ordering a doctor to the door (38% of consumers would consider this), a handyman (29%) and a dentist (28%). Meanwhile, 39% of retailers have launched a new website, while 37% have taken on more delivery staff and 25% have introduced a new app for ordering and payments.

The study found that 35% of consumers now choose where to shop based on delivery options and 17% want to get their goods or services straight away. Some 37% would opt to receive deliveries via robot for convenience.

Philip McHugh, chief executive officer at Barclaycard Business Solutions, said: “Today’s consumers are not only savvy in shopping for the best price but are also opting for providers who can deliver goods and services where and when they want them. Delivery services are going through a period of rapid innovation, from those who promise to provide almost anything to your door in under an hour, to those who are set to trial delivery by drone in the near future.

“Who would have thought there would be a gap in the market for handymen, personal trainers or cat-sitters, who are effectively ‘on-call’, and able turn up to practically any location within minutes of an order being made. The gauntlet for fast and flexible service has been firmly laid down, the challenge for businesses now is to keep pace with rising expectations while providing an offering which also compliments the bottom line.”

Image: Fotolia.com © Myst

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