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Google offers lots of plusses
Retailers can use Google+ to build brand awareness while interacting with an expanding customer base.
Beware the cookie monster
Etailers must actively obtain the consent of site users when setting cookies to avoid a legal bellyache.
The tweet smell of success
Miista’s innovative social network campaign gives Twitter users a discount for tweeting about its products.
M-commerce made simple
Pretty Green’s sign-up to Simply Tap heralds a move towards a smarter way of shopping, says Keely Stocker.
Tips on coping with Christmas trading
Advice from Andy Houstoun, Head of professional services at ecommerce provider Venda
QR angels from SoleHeaven
Footwear etailer SoleHeaven is putting its faith in QR codes and a fictional character called Trainer Angel.
A bargain hunter’s weapon
Shoparazzi puts all retailers’ Sales onto one handy online map, promoting indies alongside high street chains.
Style vids are haul the rage
Influential videos of real people styling their own purchases give brands an opportunity to share the spotlight.
Tune in all your channels
From bricks-and-mortar to online and m-commerce, customers should get a seamless shopping experience.
The whole world is a stage
Asos has gone global with its latest interactive menswear campaign that showcases performers in different cities
On the web this week www.watch-that-label.com
Launched earlier this year, Watch-That-Label.com aims to bring new design talent to the masses.
Take your site from A to B
Etailers must constantly improve their website to stay ahead of the pack, which is where AB testing comes in.
A tailored tour of indie stores
One of the biggest challenges for online independents is getting their business noticed in what is a highly competitive market.
Prepare to be ShoeDazzled
The personalised experience offered by this etailer is bound to encourage other sites to tailor their offerings.
Warehouse works a treat
The retailer’s social media campaign, WareStyleTreats, raises brand awareness by handing out gifts to fans
A site to match our vision
In the first of a series following indie Matches’ upgrade of its website, Frances Card gets the project underway
Tap into the fans’ influence
Klout scores users’ activity on social network sites, and now brands can use the data to reach a new audience
A love affair with sneakers
Footlocker’s new site, Sneakerpedia, creates a community for users to share all on their favourite sports footwear.
That’s what friends are for
Whatser is a new mobile app that can recommend stores based on the opinions of each user’s friends.
Spread the word with Tumblr
Micro-blogging platform Tumblr is an easy way for fashion brands and retailers to find a huge audience
Is Asos’s Finder a keeper?
Etailer’s new site categorises trends and user-generated looks and then links them to retailers’ product.
Going Live with Net-a-Porter
The website’s new digital TV station promises a win-win combination of shopping and social interaction
The shape of things to come?
Personalisation was a big issue at the recent Drapers Ecommerce Summit, as retailers attempt to bridge the gap between an online and offline shopping experience.
Bring in some etail experts
Online growth will be on the agenda for many retailers this year, but in-house resources may not be enough
Deciphering the visual code
QR codes enable retailers to successfully integrate a mobile commerce element into their print ad campaigns.
Using every trick in the book
Ted Baker’s recent online campaign used a combination of ecommerce ideas to bring live styling to shoppers.
Get back on speaking terms
Installing a webcam system can help etailers build closer customer service relationships with shoppers.
Mobiles are a gift for retail
SMS vouchers are another reason for businesses to take mobile phones seriously as a selling channel.
What shoppers really want
ModCloth lets its shoppers choose which products it manufactures and has become a social media hit.
Take a stake in a designer
Fashionstake.com gives users a chance to invest in up-and-coming designers at New York Fashion Week.
Get your message across
Retailers can use mobile technology to communicate with customers - as long as they don’t become phone pests
Cast the net further online
Retailers can reach a wider online audience by partnering with an aggregate site that will showcase their offer
Bag an online credit option
Credit is now available for customers’ online purchases and the process has all the benefits of in-store finance
Right place at the right time
GPS tracking opens up a world of possibilities for retailers, as proved by social networking site Foursquare
Tips for retailers on Google+
Advice from Obi Felten, Director of consumer marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Google
Cookie law change – what retailers need to do
Eitan Jankelewitz - Solicitor, Media and Technology Department at Marriott Harrison
Asos pulls rank on its rivals
Research shows which pages were most popular over the festive period and how good SEO helps etailers’ traffic.
Making SEO work for you
While many retailers are looking at implementing new mobile, social or multi-channel strategies, it’s important not to forget the basics with an online proposition.
Avoid a crashing headache
There are a few precautions retailers can take to avoid suffering a Christmas nightmare on their websites.
Get in touch with shoppers
By bringing touch-screen catalogues in-store, retailers will be able to collect customer data and boost sales.
Make your store fully mobile
Despite the rise in m-commerce, many retailers are lagging behind the trend and losing out on transactions.
Keep those fans coming
Two retailers have launched Facebook campaigns that engage existing customers and lure new ones
Invest in a trusted source
With customers requiring a safe online shopping experience, Google has provided the perfect solution.
One-night window wonder
A display linked to an augmented reality app enabled online retailer Net-a-Porter to hit the high street.
Vlogs are talk of Selfridges
The department store’s vlogging booth encouraged customer interaction but it’s usefulness is still open to debate.
Retailers with a game plan
Topshop and Aldo hope adding games to their websites will increase interaction with potential customers
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
The newly relaunched House of Fraser website has a much slicker feel and layout.
Enhancing the experience
In the second part of our series following indie Matches’ website upgrade, the focus is on what the user will see
www.littleblackdress.co.uk
Affiliate site Little Black Dress, which launched last week, welcomes visitors with a message: “Behind this magazine portal lies everything that is so sensational, so rousing and delectable about the LBD for you to behold.”
On the web this week www.blackwhitedenim.com
For a womenswear indie that is built around the concept that the three essential elements of an outfit are black, white and denim, the colour scheme for its online store is, of course, black and white.
Go with a recommendation
Debenhams is spreading the word about its business by encouraging customers to share their experiences
How do you like your tee?
Etailer Spreadshirt makes it simple for customers to personalise items, and also lets users sell their own designs.
Groupon Now is a big deal
Deals site Groupon has launched a real-time promotions service which smaller retailers can use to drive sales.
Through the tweeting glass
New mirror technology lets shoppers view themselves in outfits that they can share with friends via social networks.
Shopping can be child’s play
Interactive kidswear website MiniWardrobe has created a tool that makes the shopping experience fun.
Uniqlo style from the streets
The retailer is inviting customers to compile a global lookbook by uploading photos of their outfits to its new site.
An off-the-wall idea by Adidas
As well as forming a visual centrepiece, Adidas’s in-store virtual footwear wall has practical advantages for retail
Shopping and socialising
Selling merchandise via social networking sites could maximise sales and minimise abandoned baskets
Seven steps to perfect shoes
Shoppers that can’t find the footwear they want can get creative and design their own on Upper Street.
Building a dream boutique
Google’s online fashion venture Boutiques.com, which launched last month, combines both fashion and celebrity to create a personalised experience in an online community.
A perfect delivery package
Make sure your whole logistics process stacks up - from deliveries to returns - to keep customers happy,
Crack the code for success
Voucher codes give savvy retailers the chance to reach a new audience and build brand as well as revenue.
EBay’s personalised service
An eBay feature that allows users to build a personal profile is set to improve the sales conversion rate online.
Build a blogger relationship
Picking the right fashion blogs and nurturing - not hassling - them can beef up your blogosphere coverage.
You get what you pay for
Recent launches of transactional websites by a number of high street retailers, increasing competition in the online market, has made the need to appear high on search engine listings even more vital.
Load speed is everything
Ensuring that website pages appear quickly is vital to stop customers losing patience and going elsewhere
Fashion from far and wide
Independents needn’t miss out on online sales thanks to Farfetch.com, which gathers them into one website
It’s game on for retailers
A social online game that allows users to create their own virtual fashion boutique could offer real benefits
Enjoy the view with Burberry
Image options in the luxury British brand’s autumn 10 web campaign take interactivity to a new level
