Merchants may be able to strengthen their business by diversifying their sales model to include websites such as eBay.

Merchants selling goods on eBay may be able to strengthen their business by diversifying the types of goods customers can purchase for parcel delivery.

A quarter of retailers believe that establishing new channels offers the biggest opportunity for growing their business, with two-thirds (69 per cent) believing it is essential, research by DHL Supply Chain suggests.

Sixty six per cent of retailers expect to start improving their online sales over the next three years, with eBay and other ecommerce sites offering the infrastructure to do this quickly and cheaply.

Most retailers have set their sights on improving their mobile commerce over the next three years, with UK retailers prioritising point-of-sale improvements such as by improving accessibility.

DHL Supply Chain non-food retail director for the UK and Ireland, John Boulter, explained that "brand experience" must remain one of the primary focuses.

He added: "This report shows that the retail landscape is constantly shifting and will continue to evolve in the future, and retailers need to keep abreast of these changes and new demands to their business or risk becoming outdated in comparison to their competitors."


 

Article Added: 27/08/2010 17:42:45