With tough trading conditions looking set to continue in 2013, ‘shopping inspiration’ app Udozi, is offering independent retailers the opportunity to strengthen their online and mobile presence, via discounted use of its platform throughout 2013.
As consumer browsing and purchasing behaviour continues to evolve, the Udozi initiative aims to help independent retailers connect with consumers who are increasingly using their mobile devices to shop. Independent retailers will also be given extended use of the Udozi platform, beyond the initial 12 month period, at no additional cost.
The promotion, which launches in conjunction with the new Udozi website, also provides independents access to the ‘Udozi Stock Console’, a central control system, specifically designed to streamline stock management processes. The Stock Console enables retailers to quickly upload their stock information to the Udozi platform with just a single click – with details on product availability, price, store details and promotions being automatically transferred.
The technology also provides retailers with detailed analytical data – such as the ability to see what products consumers are searching to buy from a particular location. Additionally, Udozi has completely revamped its reserve feature allowing independent stores to offer their customers a simple yet effective solution to “Click & Collect” their products.
“While all high street retailers are facing difficult times, we recognise that unlike larger national retailers, independent store owners do not necessarily have the tools and resources to ensure they are delivering a multichannel experience that digitally empowered consumers have come to expect. Currently over a quarter of smartphone owners use their mobile device to browse for items, search for product and price information and also to find bargains – therefore having a mobile presence is becoming more crucial during these times,” says Alan Gabbay, Founder, Udozi.
Independent retailers who sign up to the offer will have their stock listed alongside the 500,000 products from 160 national and local retailers already signed up on the Udozi platform. The initiative will help consumers discover independent stores and products they were previously unaware of. It will also help users save time and money by letting them search for items and instantly see where they can find them in nearby shops, at the best price.
“Staying afloat and competing with big players in the current economic climate represents a challenge for independents like Carry Me Home – particularly as consumers often have little awareness of smaller shops in their local area. However, since joining Udozi, we’ve seen a boost in footfall from customers who have been using their phones to browse for products and have since found our shop via the application,” comments Gayle Haddock, Owner, Carry Me Home.
