TMCnet News
Online Retailers' 2013 Top Priorities Include Site And Mobile Optimization(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) NEW YORK, Jan. 13 -- The National Retail Federation issued the following news release: As shoppers become increasingly connected, online retailers in 2013 will get back to basics, focusing on strategies and tactics to improve the customer experience and increase web conversion and loyalty across all devices. According to the 2013 Shop.org/Forrester Research Inc. (http://www.forrester.com/home cmpid=mkt:ppc:goo:ForresterResearchhome&gclid=CPeI_dHhlLACFYje4AodNm0p0w)(Nasdaq: FORR) State Of Retailing Online survey, more than half (51%) of retailers surveyed say their top priority for 2013 is site optimization, including checkout optimization, alternative payments, user experience, testing, and product detail page enhancements. "Retailers have responded to rapidly evolving customer use of mobile devices, dedicating much of the past 12 to 18 months to developing and testing rich mobile offerings for both customers and store associates," said Shop.org Executive Director Vicki Cantrell. "While direct mobile commerce is still small, mobile services are now an established and significant part of the shopping experience. Retailers this year are smartly investing to create a holistic customer experience across stores, desktop, and mobile to improve conversion rates, grow crucial repeat customer business, and even capture their share of customer demand from international markets." Additionally, 43% of retailers surveyed note that mobile and tablets are among their top three priorities for 2013. These companies plan to invest in new or improved mobile apps and mobile-optimized sites, analytics, and traffic and conversion growth. Among other customer experience investments this year, more than one-quarter (27%) of retailers surveyed plan to prioritize site redesign, including overhauling the "look and feel" and implementing responsive design changes. Web Shopper Loyalty and Mobile Driving Conversion Rates, Average Order Value Up Overall, online retail remains healthy: More than half (58%) of those surveyed say their conversion rates in 2012 grew over 2011, and many companies say their cart abandonment rate was either stable or even down compared to 2011. And while respondents are split regarding mobile's impact on conversion rates, the study shows a net positive impact: 36 percent of retailers surveyed say that mobile sales and traffic have helped their company's overall web conversion rate, while 29% have felt a negative impact. "Despite continued growth in mobile commerce, it will be important for retailers in 2013 to pause and understand the opportunities, distractions, and implications of mobile within the e-commerce landscape," said Forrester Research Vice President and Principal Analyst Sucharita Mulpuru. "But it's promising to see that even though there is market pressure to invest in everything from mobile and free shipping to international growth, retailers have improved key metrics while keeping customer service and fulfillment costs in check." With fewer new shoppers to attract these days, online retailers have fewer opportunities for new customer acquisitions, so they are more focused on retaining and driving value for existing shoppers. According to the survey, more than half (53%) say they have been able to increase the average order value for repeat customers over the past year, and another half (52%) of those surveyed have seen an increase in their repeat customer rate. The 2013 Shop.org/Forrester Research Inc. State Of Retailing Online survey was released today at Retail's BIG Show (http://www.nrf.com/annual13) in New York City. About the survey This report uses data from 62 companies who were surveyed for the State of Retailing Online 2013: Key Metrics. SORO is an annual study conducted by Forrester Research and executed in conjunction with Shop.org. Respondents include online retailers that transact with consumers by selling products via the Internet. Forrester's "The State of Retailing Online" research series provides e-business & channel strategy professionals with annual industry benchmarks of marketing and business investment and activities. Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, is the world's leading membership community for digital retail. Founded in 1996, Shop.org's 600 members include the 10 largest retailers in the US and more than 60 percent of the Internet Retailer Top 100 E-Retailers. It's where the best retail minds come together to gain the insight, knowledge, and intelligence to make smarter, more informed decisions in the evolving world of the Internet and multichannel retailing. Shop.org programs and activities include benchmarking research, events, and networking communities. Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) is an independent research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Forrester works with professionals in 17 key roles at major companies providing proprietary research, customer insight, consulting, events, and peer-to-peer executive programs. For more than 29 years, Forrester has been making IT, marketing, and technology industry leaders successful every day. For more information, visit www.forrester.com. TNS 61RiaMontes 130115-4166586 StaffFurigay (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |