‘Businesses need to get web savvy’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Retailers urged to encourage more shoppers via websites

9:10am Friday 31st December 2010 in Business By Chris Holland

Nearly a quarter of Yorkshire consumers have their spending influenced by retailers’ websites, according to business advisory firm Deloitte.

Its research also shows that retailers who embrace the web are reaping massive rewards, with multi-channel shoppers who surf the web, search catalogues and check prices with call centres spending 80 per cent more than those who just shop in stores.

Deloitte said multi-channel consumers spend 82 per cent more per transaction than a customer who only shops in store. The average expenditure on clothing, home and electrical goods is £116 per transaction compared with £64 for store-only customers.

Dan Butters, retail specialist at Deloitte in Leeds, said: “The commercial imperative for retailers to tackle multi-channel and the incentive for getting it right is clear.

“The multi-channel consumer is particularly well informed about the products they buy and this greater confidence is resulting in a higher value and a higher volume of purchases. The digital revolution in retail is at a tipping point, with people expecting to shop through any channel and receive consistent service."

For more details, read today's business pages in the Telegraph & Argus