Ecommerce increases Marks and Spencers profits

Once again we see evidence that ecommerce websites are pulling the economy out of the slump. Marks & Spencers, one of the larger companies in the UK to suffer seriously from the effects of the recession have seen an increase in 29% in online sales in just one year. Evidence of belt tightening is still present in that the actual value of sales has only increased by 2.8% but the huge increase in sales volume online proves that there is a growing acceptance of internet trade.

The fact that the online sales value has increased is a really good sign especially given that the usual demographic for Marks & Spencer is not one considered to be  fully accepting of the internet. The trend bears research as it either means that by selling on the web M&S have widened their demographic to include a more web savvy generation, or that previously net-shy groups of customers are losing their fear of buying online.

For internet trade either is great news. Formerly traditional sellers truly can benefit from commissioning their own ecommerce website. This fact is not lost on M&S who are rolling out a new internet based service of Click-and-collect, where their customers can use the internet to buy their products, reserving them instore so that they can collect when convenient. This fantastic idea allows a mix of web purchasing ease (and presumably discount) with the tactile and instant gratification of physical shopping. It looks like M&S could be using their online systems to spearhead a ressurgence of high street shopping.

Even if that is their aim the web has opened up their market considerably, a lesson for any trader considering a new or improved ecommerce solution. If you are in this position now, why not give Advansys a call. We are experts in producing high quality ecommerce solutions and have the experience and creativity to make a success of any bespoke systems your website may require.