The Department of Trade and Industry is inviting independent retailers to attend a presentation on a new project which harnesses the internet to increases sales.
The two-part project helps retailers firstly to set up their own shopping website to generate new online sales opportunities while also encouraging consumers into their shops. Secondly, an exciting new website will be launched later this year that promotes local retailers, helping and encouraging consumers to shop locally.
The project represents a partnership between the DTI and a leading European provider of e-commerce solutions, Venda. It has been designed to give participating retailers the opportunity to sell online for a minimal financial outlay and with no requirement for technical knowledge about setting up and running a website.
All independent product retail websites will be linked through to an Isle of Man shopping directory site which will be owned and run by the DTI and will provide visitors with an easy way to research and buy goods from Isle of Man suppliers.
Venda – whose customers include the BBC, Superdrug, Laura Ashley, DeBeers, Arsenal Football club and many others – will provide a fully supported service which will enable the retailer to concentrate on sales rather than the technical aspects of running a website.
Retailers taking up the opportunity will also benefit from built-in search engine optimisation and online marketing which will drive qualified customers to their site and maximise sales.
The UK has experienced declining retail sales in recent months due to the recession. However, UK internet sales increased by 25% year on year in the last quarter of 2008. Furthermore, Venda’s customers experienced an average growth in sales of 39.7% over the same period.
Minister for the DTI David Cretney MHK comments 'The retail sector is increasingly affected by the internet, both for direct sales and also for consumers to research products before visiting their selected shops. DTI is keen to help local independent retailers to make full use of the internet to protect and grow their businesses, both through local and, for some, international sales.
'I am very excited about this project as we are partnering with Venda, which is a market leader in e-commerce, to provide a total solution which will both aid individual businesses to have dedicated websites as well as an innovative website to promote the Island’s diverse independent retail sector.
'I am delighted to announce this project and encourage local retailers to attend this briefing event.'
The presentation takes place on Wednesday 6th May from 6pm - 8pm. Please call the Deparment of Trade and Industry on (01624) 682365 or email dti@gov.im for full details of the event and to reserve a place.
