The emphasis is firmly on mobile in today’s InternetRetailing newsletter. And that’s just where retailers’ attention should be as well, say two important pieces of research out this week. OC&C Strategy Consultants, working with Google and PayPal, and the Centre for Retail Research, working with Vouchercodes.co.uk, may have different figures for how much we’re going to be spending on mobile, but both agree that it’s significant enough that retailers must now put mobile high up their agenda. Indeed, OC&C say traders need to think mobile first now, in preparation for a not-too distant time when mobile is the only channel that matters.
At heart, after all, mobile commerce really isn’t optional. It’s driven by shoppers who choose to browse from the phones or tablet computers while they’re on the move. But while many may see it as a challenge, it’s also an enormous opportunity for those that get it right. Customers are now potentially shopping wherever they are, rather than when they are in front of their desktop. That calls for some agile responses that take into account factors such as where they are, and when they are visiting. The bottom line is, there’s an enormous chance to succeed for retailers of all sizes, and selling all kinds of products.
Elsewhere in today’s newsletter, we’re taking a multichannel angle on homewares businesses’ strategies, following figures from DFS and Dunelm this week. We’re thinking Valentine’s Day, ahead of what may be the most last-minute of shopping events, and we’re thinking luxury in our interview with Michael Kliger of Mytheresa.com, in which we’re looking ahead to IRX 2017.
Today’s guest comment comes from Jamie Merrick, of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, who considers the importance of staying agile to better serve customers in global markets.
Webinars
The next InternetRetailing webinar is on February 22, when RedEye’s CCO Matthew Kelleher will consider whether technology companies are giving marketers what they really want. He points to a disconnect between the technology companies and their clients, and will ask what support retailers need from their providers to make their marketing strategies work. In a world of intuitive marketing tech, is there still a part for people to play? will be on February 22 at 2pm. Visit the RedEye webinar page to find and more and register for the free event.
On March 16, Pitney Bowes’ senior vice president, consumer and merchant solutions Jonathan Kapplow will be looking at practical approaches to selling via the global marketplaces that are expected to represent 39% of the online retail market in 2020. How to expand into high growth emerging economies through global marketplaces is at 2pm on March 16. Visit the Pitney Bowes webinar page to find out more and register for the free event.
Click to visit the Internet Retailing webinar page to catch up on the latest events.
IRX and EDX
Eight conferences packed with retail speakers and covering everything from omnichannel and international to delivery are running at the InternetRetailing Expo, from April 5 to 6 at the NEC in Birmingham. To learn more about IRX 2017, its sister conference eDelivery Expo and to register for free, visit www.internetretailingexpo.com and www.edeliveryexpo.com.
Attendees can also get a 25% discount on their train fare to the NEC when they book through the IRX or EDX visitor information website.