August 25, 2014: Lately, the consumers prefer to shop with their favorite retailer online instead of visiting the shop in person. The ultimate reason for the increase in the online shopping trend is the convenience of shopping at leisure from anywhere anytime. According to a report, with the advancement of technology, more than 50% of the smartphone users and 60% of the tablet users make purchases with their devices.
Going by the same, the e-lure has not left some of the oldest and most vulnerable names in the retail industry as well. Recently, the long-time retail brands such as sari major Nalli Silks, jewellery retailers Kirthilal Kalidas and GRT Jewellers, consumer durables seller Croma, white goods seller Viveks and garment retailer Arvind Brands have also jumped the band wagon. These retailers are venturing into online sales and are making huge investments for marketing and are looking for new advertising methods including social media.
These retailer brands were pretty popular and were involved in traditional retailing for several decades instilling a personal connect with customers. Now, they are gradually turning towards the online retailing method considering it as an additional retail channel and to reach the new geographies. Moreover, the e-way retailing does not require any real estate investment and this is considered as an added advantage.
The 50-year old Viveks has already set up a brand store on eBayIndiathat has a huge consumer base that can help in reaching new heights. Also, the firm is planning to start an own e-commerce portal soon. Same is the case with Arvind that has entered the online world lately with Creyate brand. Nalli, almost a century old brand is trying to use its online presence to quench the demands of the customers who are abroad.
Soon, the jewellery retailer Kritilal Kalidas will be plunging into online retailing by setting up a portal. Its competitor GRT Jewellers will also join the e-world soon to attract the online shoppers.
Apart from setting up online portals, these companies are devising new delivery models that will allow consumers to conduct research about the products on the website and collect the same in person from a nearby store. This new method of shopping is actually a hybrid model of traditional retailing and online shopping. Also, this is beneficial for the consumers as they can save the shipping cost. Furthermore, there is a tendency for consumers to buy additional items once they visit the store, thereby adding to the advantages of the retailers as well.
