In today’s newsletter we report on some of the ecommerce and multichannel innovations that we’re starting to take for granted, just a few years or even months after they were first introduced. Tell us what innovations you now take as read for the chance to scoop a free access-all-areas ticket to Internet Retailing Conference 2013. Place your bid for a free full delegate pass by leaving a comment here, tweeting us at @etail, or emailing chloe at internetretailing.net with your answers.
We take a look, for example at Argos’ move to formalise digital innovation in its retail management structure. Head of digital innovation may be a new role, but the new job description recognises the need for all retailers to focus on online innovation – a must-do that would have been on few retail job descriptions just a few years ago.
Then we also look at the growing importance of social media in this year’s shopping, important as more people turn online for information and ideas about their purchases, but again, not part of the retail landscape until a relatively short time ago. And we also consider Hermes’ expansion of its convenience store collection business, set to reach 3,000 stores this year. Do we also now take for granted the fact that we can pick up our online orders just around the corner?
In today’s newsletter we also draw comparisons between Findel’s catalogue and web-based businesses, look at the growth of hungryhouse.co.uk’s online food delivery proposition, and speak to Schuh’s Sean McKee ahead of IRC 2013 about how it’s taken internet retailing into the store.
Our webinars
We have an upcoming webinar to let you know about. On Tuesday October 15, EPiServer considers How to win in the M-commerce world. Product manager David Bowen will guide retailers through how they can deliver the 3Ms of the mobile, multichannel and me (personalised) commerce experience, looking at how responsive design, contextual marketing and personalisation can be combined to drive sales and improve customer loyalty. The free event takes place at 11am – register and find out more by clicking here. More information about our webinar programme is available here.
Our events
The 8th Internet Retailing Conference will be held on October 16 in London, when keynote speakers will include Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of Ocado and Dressipi, and Laura Wade-Geary, executive director, multichannel ecommerce, Marks & Spencer. For more details, visit
www.internetretailingconference.com. See the editorial above for the chance of a free ticket to the event.
Today’s stories
Argos puts spotlight on digital innovation with new hire
Social media set to be more important in this year’s Christmas shopping season
Hermes set to expand to 3,000 in-store collection points this year
IRC 2013 INTERVIEW How Schuh developed its focus on internet retailing in-store
Findel reports growth in internet retailing and decline in catalogue business
Convenient food deliveries drive growth at hungryhouse.co.uk
