Multi-Channel Commerce & Retailing

Marketplace is the buzz word these days. Sears recently announced the launch of the Sears marketplace which was preceded by Walmart a couple of months back. Play.com, the Jersey based online retailer of music and electronic products also has its own third party marketplace where one can sell DVDs, CDs, Games, Books etc. And ofcourse we have Amazon and eBay which has been around for so many years now. No doubt this gives ample opportunity for everyone to sell and most importantly a wide and competitive choice for the consumers thus giving the right thrust to the Long Tail economics that Chris Anderson proposed a couple of years back. Talking about Long Tail, this is one thought that has been going around in my mind for sometime now. Marketplace has evolved in Retail as well as in the Entertainment space. What about Banking? Is a third party marketplace possible for the Banking industry as well? Can there be a one stop shop for consumers that would address all their banking needs? A marketplace where, not only banks, but individuals can come and sell customised banking products and other individuals come and buy them? Looks improbable ...

Continue reading "Banks and the Third Party Marketplace" »

Posted by Rrituraj Sharma at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Right about last week, I was reminded ones again by my wife that our one month marriage anniversary was fast approaching and I needed to do something “special”.  I went to 1-800-Flowers.com app and ordered Tulips for same day delivery with lighting speed without ever leaving the app (of course this requires existing 1-800-Flowers.com account).  You might think there is noting “special” about purchasing flowers, and having it delivered on the same day.  You are right; there isn’t and my wife will agree with you. However, 1-800-Flowers' mobile site has made it so simple for forgetful husbands like me (if you are in the same boat, I suggest you give 1-800-Flowers.com app a chance available on iPhone, Blackberry and Android) that it seems “special”.  The experience, app which is sleek and easy-to-use, begins with a practical list with colorful icons: Birthday, Get Well, Anniversary, Same day Delivery and more and ends with checkout in few touches. This magic happens on Didby's Mobile Commerce Suite.  1-800-Flowers.com understands that Mobile shoppers typically want to make a decision fast hence providing relevant no non-sense information is a key.

According to Internet retailer magazine, Mobile site had 295,000 (monthly average) unique visitors in 2008 with site response time of 6.10 seconds and site was scored “Excellent” in Consistency.  1-800-Flowers mobile site was also selected as one of the best m-commerce site from 156 m-commerce sites and apps.  

This is all exciting and great however; my position with my wife hasn’t improved and am still looking for something “special”.

Posted by Hirak Patel at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So Mr. Dhir has taken us through the some of the possibilities of scanning and using 3-D images for selling such things as clothing online. There are a lot of dependencies for this to come about and put the "reality" in augmented reality. Once the dependencies are in place, the possibilities are amazing.

So what needs to be in place for this Web 3.0 to work? Along with viewing things in 3-D (think Halo, except for shopping and not shooting), there is also the potential for 3-D browsing. All of this will put a strain on your graphics card. You'll also need a new 3-D monitor and 3-D navigation tool. Technology has a funny way of catching up quickly though, I expect these items to be in place before someone can write a practical application for them.

Assuming all of the technology comes together (it always seems to), what does this mean for eCommerce as we know it?

With Adobe's Scene 7 already showing 360 degree views of products, augmented reality proposing more 3-D views, the next step is 3-D browsing. The question is, does this really create a better browsing experience?

My prediction is that what starts as a gimmick could develop into something tangible. The obvious place for this phenomena will be at a store kiosk. It's unlikely that brands and retailers build 3-D browsing for the net in an environment where no one has a 3-D monitor, mouse, or "goggles." However a store kiosk at a high street retailer can generate interest and create a unique shopping experience. Coupled with endless aisle (the idea of being able to purchase items at a kiosk that are out of stock or not available in the store) this creates a cool shopping experience. DIY retailers have been using virtual showrooms for the past few year but this presents a whole new level of that experience.

As the technology develops, Web 3.0 will catch up with gaming industry, and we'll practically be browsing in "The Matrix." Where do you see the opportunities? As always I have more questions than answers......

Posted by Seth Lively at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)