Pizza firm Domino’s has reported that fast growing e-commerce sales have helped to boost their sales and profits. Earlier this year, the take-away food giant passed their sales target of $1 billion. And recently Domino’s stated that their first half-year profits of 2010 is up 23% on the same time last year, to  $47.1 million.

Apparently some quarter of all sales now come from the ecommerce arm of their business.

Dominos was one of the first takeaway companies to embrace mobile and on-line takeaway food ordering. Since 2007, customers have been able to choose and order their pizza either on their computer or their mobile phone.

Last year, Domino’s introduced a Pizza Tracker application, which means that customers  can view constant updates about the status of their pizza order.

It’s clear Domino’s must be doing a lot right given that their on-line sales have continued to grow despite the general economic decline.

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A new report reveals the stores that have gathered the biggest customer base and loyalty. The survey from STORES Media, conducted by BIGresearch, found that the top five on-line retail hubs in the US are Amazon.com, Walmart.com, eBay.com, BestBuy.com and JCPenney.com.

Now on-line retail experts are suggesting that it is the overall service offered to customers that has pushed these stores to the top places. One analyst said: “Online retailers have proven they are up to the challenge of building a loyal customer base, and will continue to be preferred destinations for many as the Internet continues to mature.

“Multichannel retailers have done a commendable job understanding what their customers are looking for and providing a favorable, seamless shopping experience to millions of people every day – no matter how they choose to shop.”

This shows that the key for all on-line retailers is to offer a great service across the board. This includes price, delivery, returns policies and also the quality of the product received.

The spokesperson added: “Consumers who were solely focused on price a year ago are still looking for good deals but are also evaluating return policies, merchandise quality and free shipping as part of the buying equation.”

If you are interested in having an online shop, stop by WebCreationUK for more information on website design including our fantastic ecommerce packages.

On-line companies are being urged to embrace the new world of m-commerce (mobile phone commerce) if they want to remain competitive. Many more younger consumers are now using mobile phones for on-line buying and this trend is likely to grow and expand into other age groups, it’s predicted.

Increased connection speeds within the mobile phone market also means that m-commerce is set to grow significantly in the next few years.

Tech analyst firm Ovum has recently published a report that shows that many on-line businesses will struggle if they do not adapt to greater m-commerce demands.

If you have an ecommerce business then why not talk to a web design company, such as WebCreationUK, to find out how you could take advantage of the rapid growth of m-commerce for the benefit of your business? A website that is readable on a smartphone is sure to be a smart move. Unless you want to be left behind your competitors.

A survey of consumers who use their mobile phone regularly for on-line purchases found that 60% think it’s important to be able to verify product availability at a particular store.

The report also revealed:

• 20% of consumers use their phones to create shopping lists or baskets.
• Just over 20% would be interested in a mobile app to help with basket management for their favorite retailers.
• 66% are interested in the possibility of using their mobile phone to scan and purchase items, instead of using the usual checkout process.
• 25% believe that receiving specials/promotions/coupons is important.

Jim Bengier, a global retail industry expert, is reported as saying: “Mobility is more than a channel, and as consumers begin to use mobile devices in all aspects of their shopping process, cross-channel will be essential for retailers to succeed.

“Today’s consumers are transforming the shopping experience with their mobile phones, and retailers should be aiming to keep up with this.”

If you are looking for information on website design for mobile phone devices then speak to leading web design company WebCreationUK.

A new piece of research has revealed the growing importance for retailers to create “multi-channel” outlets. The report from FreshMinds shows that traditional retail channels are shifting more towards the internet and mobile phone apps but that there is still a need to pay attention to back-end services, for example, good customer service and deliveries.

It’s become very clear that there are huge sales-boosting opportunities for high street retailers and offering an ecommerce outlet widens the potential net of customers massively. The problem occurs, however, when this expansion arrives and the retailers are not able to deliver products or deal with the increased need for customer service.

The message is that to retain your brand quality and shoppers’ respect it’s vital that companies pay attention to all areas of their business. Take note, if you’re planning an on-line expansion anytime soon.

* Make sure you check out the great web design and ecommerce website deals being offering by leading web designers WebCreation UK

Another report makes clear the potential for businesses to marketing their products or services on Facebook.

The latest research by Morpace in the US reveals that:
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Consumers spend an average of 7.3 hours each week on Facebook
* People aged 18-34 spend 8.5 hours a week on Facebook.
* People who have an annual salary of more than $100,000 per year spend 9 hours per week on Facebook.

As a spokesperson for Morpace rightly notes: “Our study shows how powerful a tool Facebook can be for retailers who are looking for an opportunity to reach their target audience.

“Our results suggest that a presence on Facebook can not only improve consumer awareness but also fulfill the consumers’ desire for product knowledge, events, and promotions.”

Go on, you know it will be worth your while creating a Facebook page. WebCreationUK also have a Facebook profile,  speak to us about adding a Facebook feed to your website.