In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter we’re reporting on ways that life is set to get simpler for online shoppers. Visa and Paypal are promising simpler cross-channel payments with their new European cooperation, while Zalando says its membership scheme is making the business of buying easier for its customers.
In today’s guest comment, Johann Davidsson of Distancify argues that artificial intelligence will make online shopping an easier experience for buyers and sellers alike. Customers will also find it easier to access their data, following the introduction of GDPR legislation next May: a study today suggests that many UK shoppers are inclined to take up their rights when it comes to retail.
Making life simpler for shoppers generally helps to lift sales: when payment is easier, shoppers are more likely to complete the transaction, while Zalando will expect an easier customer experience will also shoppers more likely to buy – and to return. But will GDPR, enabling shoppers to manage their personal data more easily, make it more likely that shoppers will buy? That’s yet to be seen, but it does seem that when customers operate in an environment that they control they are more likely to trust the retailers they buy from and that in turn should engender growing sales.
Today we also report on growing footfall in UK retail parks and high streets in June, and we have news that the latest IRUK Top500 Mobile & Cross-channel Performance Dimension Report is now available online.
The Tamebay Ecommerce Cup
The Tamebay Ecommerce Cup 2017 will be held on September 7 and five-a-side teams are now being invited to sign up. The tournament, now in its fifth year, is moving to a new venue in Shepherd’s Bush and promises FA refs and a comfy new players’ lounge complete with screens to keep tabs on competitors’ matches.
“We had a total of 26 teams enter last year, and it was great to have both suppliers and retailers competing, with Deliveroo taking the top spot and runners up Uber narrowly missing out,” says Mark Pigou, founder of InternetRetailing Media. “This year promises to be just as competitive.” To enter a team of up to 10 people (five players and five subs), sign up here.
Sponsorship opportunities are limited to three companies: email Joey Evans (joe.evans@tamebay.com) for more.
Webinars
Find out more about upcoming InternetRetailing webinars and register for free on the InternetRetailing webinar page. You can also catch up with past webinars on the page: recent sessions have come from IBM Watson on using AI to improve the customer experience, and from SmartFocus and The Entertainer on using social to reach digital customers.
