Business   

Online shopping catching up

Corporate Reporter

Indian E-tailers estimate a bonanza

CHENNAI: There has been a huge increase in consumer confidence when it comes to online shopping. Experts believe, online shopping will continue to grow as consumers opt to avoid crowded shopping centres and parking problems and become more and more educated on how to use retail outlets online, safely and securely.

It is vitally important, however, that the retailer takes all the steps necessary to ensure a secure online shopping environment, says a release from the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), a not-for-profit industry body registered under the Societies Act.

According to the release, e-commerce is booming and the newfound confidence in online shopping it is clear with consumers of all ages and backgrounds now using the internet to shop. With the festive season starting and consumers all set to ring in the new year within the comfort zone of the familiar ambience, either the office or the home, E-tailers expect an increase in their revenues by over 50 per cent and the overall traffic by over 75 per cent.

The release says that most of the websites are wearing the `Christmas look' with a Santa Claus, a snowman, ginger bread man, with snowflakes, Christmas trees, Mistletoe and Bells. Fabmall.com has designed a special store.

According to K. Vaitheeswaran, Chief Operating Officer, Fabmall.com, "We have launched a digital camera store to coincide with the New Year. This store has all leading camera brands like Canon, Casio, Kodak, Sony etc and almost all the models have discounts.Some cameras have discounts up to 43 per cent till the New Year. There are also some promotions running especially on winter wear and books."

Service also seems to be a key factor to woo consumers online. The release from IAMAI has quoted Rajesh Nahar (Operations & Support), Chennaibazaar.com, saying that "Chennaibazaar.com for this Christmas Season is offering gifts delivery service. For New Year we have midnight surprise where we offer delivery on New Year Eve."

According to Rahul Sethi, Senior Manager-E Retailing, Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited, "For the festive season we have launched a new property called 'half off' where we are offering 50 per cent discount on maximum retail price on select products. The products change every week."

On the other hand giants are busy innovating new ideas to keep the consumers online. This year, there is another way for children to share their Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus.

Using Windows Live Messenger, parents can spend time with their kids chatting in real-time with Santa online.

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