Online retailers often make use of order fulfilment services to help ensure they are able to get their goods to consumers on time and intact.
If recent predictions prove accurate, demand for these services may rise yet further this year. According to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, online retail sales will grow in 2013. It suggested that there will be an increase in online sales of 12 per cent over the 12-month period.
Meanwhile, it revealed that last year saw a rise of 14 per cent, while retail sales in December were up 17.5 per cent year-on-year. People shelled out a combined total of around £78 billion in 2012.
Purchases made through mobiles are expected to drive growth this year. The report noted that sales through mobile devices (including tablets) were particularly strong in 2012, with total sales up 304 per cent last year compared with 2011.
Commenting on this phenomenon, head of retail and technology at Capgemini Chris Webster said: “The big stand out is mobile commerce and its growth in the last 12 months has been staggering. The developments in the technology and the steps taken by retailers to improve their mobile services have seen a shift from browsing, to a fully fledged commerce site integral to our shopping experience.
“Visits and sales from either a smartphone or a tablet device are nearly four times higher than last year – we are reaching a point where we are spending longer on our phones shopping than making calls.”
When online retailers experience strong demand for their goods, it is important they have an effective means of meeting orders. This is where fulfilment houses come in handy. By outsourcing this aspect of their operations, managers can make their lives easier and can circumvent a plethora of potential problems.