E-Commerce

Baynote collaborated with the e-tailing group to better understand the current state of e-commerce analytics and identify the key metrics that will drive the industry forward.

Consumers shopping online today are searching for more than a quick bargain. They're looking for brands that value their loyalty, provide quality service that's available when they need it, and deliver a site experience that's effortless and, most importantly, personalized to their specific needs and preferences. In fact, according to a recent IBM survey, more consumers are willing to actively share information if it means they'll receive a more personalized shopping experience. There's no denying it — providing a personalized online experience is essential for any retailer looking to win new customers and retain existing ones.

The media and advertising giant WPP is taking a big step into e-commerce and how it can use it to leverage its other digital investments. WPP announced that it's investing $7 million into the grocery comparison shopping site mySupermarket, part of a $10 million round that also includes participation from existing investors Greylock and Pitango.

Amid increased competition online to win shoppers’ discerning budgets, several midtier retailers have signed up with an online startup Netotiate (which it said means negotiate over the net) to allow shoppers to negotiate merchandise prices with them online.

ThreatMetrix, a provider of integrated cybercrime prevention solutions, announced the findings of a new study on the top U.S. cities for the origination of online fraud. The study revealed that New York City is the nation’s epicenter for online fraudsters, followed by Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Omaha, Neb., respectively.

Social commerce company BeachMint is partnering with Justin Timberlake and interior designer Estee Stanley to launch HomeMint, a curated selection of home goods and accessories, one-of-a-kind finds, and art and photography from both established and up-and-coming artists. "HomeMint combines my love of interior design with my passion for technology and innovation to create a brand that not only offers quality products, but also a personalized shopping experience," Timberlake said.

Elle has launched a shoppable trend guide on Facebook in the latest e-commerce initiative within the magazine industry. The guide, embedded as a tab on Elle's Facebook page, invites shoppers to navigate six editorially chosen spring trends, including floral, nautical and ladylike. Users can click “love,” “want, “own” or “buy!” on each product page. By default, all interactions with the app are shared automatically on their Facebook Timeline, so even if users don’t make a purchase, they can inadvertently draw curious friends in to interact with the app. Users can also click to buy each product on the retailer’s website.

A study released Tuesday by commerce provider Innotrac Corp. provided insights into how today’s e-tailers are faring in terms of online progression. The study, called SmartHub, evaluated 100 leading U.S. e-retailers across six different product categories in February. It found that the average number of checkout pages required to complete an order was three. Only 7 percent of merchants surveyed offered one-page checkout as an option.

Montreal-based online retailer SSENSE made news in the blogosphere recently when it released what it claimed was the first music video that lets you buy while you watch.

The Golf Warehouse, a division of Redcats USA, announced today that the company has partnered with Eagle Golf, developing shopping websites for 28 of its golf courses. Under the new partnership, The Golf Warehouse has launched 28 individually customized and branded shopping websites in collaboration with Eagle Golf, providing its member courses a shopping website. Each website is branded with the course logo, name and unique identity, however, The Golf Warehouse will be responsible for the fulfillment of orders as well as responding to customer inquiries via phone, email and live chat.