Newsletter for Ecommerce and Catalog Retailers – April 1 2011
April 1, 2011
Industry News
FIFTH GEAR Choice of the Week
Easter bunny delivers big spending
Is Easter only for candy and gift retailers? Nope, says NRF. Americans often use this holiday to kick start their spring shopping. Easter is fifth on the list of top spending holidays, accounting for 6.1% – close to $14 billion in 2010…
(Source: The Street)
Channel convergence increases retailers’ focus
As a multichannel retailer, you have to strike a balance between all of your sales and marketing channels. When those channels combine to provide an integrated shopping experience, the result is an increased ability to focus on your consumers’ needs – and increased sales, too…
(Source: Retail Online Integration )
Google goes social with a +1 feature
In a bold move to curtail Facebook and Twitter’s social media domination, Google plans to introduce “social search”, which will allow customers to recommend useful search results to their friends. This will change the way Google’s search engine is used, where a page appears on its rankings, and can even reduce pay-per-click rates…
(Source: Wall Street Journal)
Five years, six-fold: the new equation for social commerce
Global sales from social commerce are expected to increase six-fold, from $5 billion in 2010 to $30 billion in 2015, with the US accounting for almost half of that revenue. Why? Access to a large pool of consumer, behavioral, and demographic data will allow for better online targeting and new investments in social media…
(Internet Retailer)
Mobile vs. Social vs. Email – or all three?
If you have been looking for a solution to dividing your time and marketing dollars across mobile, social, and email channels, search no more. A Q4 2010 survey of marketers across the US and Europe saw more marketers choosing to integrate as many ecommerce marketing channels as possible. Combining channels makes for a better customer experience and easier sales tracking…
(Source: eMarketer)
Online retailers benefit from e-coupons
With digital coupons representing the fastest growth segment in the coupon market in 2010, e-coupons offer more than ease and convenience to your customers. From increased website traffic to higher customer conversion, e-coupons are a key piece in online marketing strategy…
(Source: Retail Online Integration)
Fee or free: the ultimate shipping question
With shipping already the second largest cost center for direct merchants, e-tailers should weigh the pros and cons before offering free shipping as a standard. While free shipping may reduce abandoned shopping carts, it can also increase operational costs and add pressure on your margins…
(Source: Multi Channel Merchant)
Fifth Gear News
FIFTH GEAR SPONSORS 2011 LENSER MULTICHANNEL MARKETING SUMMIT
Fifth Gear, a leader in direct-to-consumer order fulfillment, contact center services, and ecommerce technology, is pleased to announce its participation and sponsorship of the 2011 LENSER Multichannel Marketing Summit. This year’s event, titled “The Winds of Change: Profiting from the New Consumer and Evolving Media”, will take place May 11-13, 2011 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago… Read More
Accelerating Commerce
Featured Content from the FIFTH GEAR Blog
• Fifth Gear Sponsors Annual LENSER Multichannel Marketing Summit
• How Do Not Track Will Affect Online Retailers
• Tips for Corralling Useful Customer Feedback
