SME retailers report strong online growth
Published On 4 January 2007 at 16:01:02
Small and medium sized retailers in the UK predict better growth online rather than off, according to one survey.Actinic, an e-commerce and EPOS software supplier, surveyed 57 SME retailers at the end of 2006.
They reported a 96 per cent year-on-year increase in online turnover from November to December. The bulk of this came from customers spending more, but there was also 30 per cent growth in the number of new customers.
Furthermore, most identified the internet as the main source of business growth: three-quarters expect online sales to grow significantly over 2007, while only a quarter expect the same from offline growth.
"E-commerce is the only way to do business now," said Karen Smith, who runs an online beautician service called nailsplusbeauty.com. "It is quick and easy, and saves a lot of time, travel and parking expenses."
"As a business, I can take more orders and deal with them faster as the client does not always need to speak with us before ordering, plus clients can order 24/7 at their convenience."
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