Lots of business owners may be using online printing services at present in a bid to get ready for the busy festive season ahead. With the aid of an online printing company, enterprises can create leaflets, flyers, brochures and other items to promote their products. The run-up to December 25th and the days immediately following are a big time for many retailers. In some cases, it can make or break their yearly finances.
It seems as though such marketing efforts may prove to be a particularly savvy investment for retailers this year. According to figures produced by Deloitte, web-based sales will hit £5 billion this Christmas. This represents an increase of 19 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, the firm expects total retail festive retail sales to hit £40.3 billion.
Deloitte suggested that homeware and department stores will fare particularly well and, if the current cold weather continues, clothing shops should see healthy sales. Meanwhile, food sales are expected to remain competitive, while electrical retailers will be hoping new games consoles and tablets appeal to consumers.
Commenting on the statistics, UK head of retail at Deloitte Ian Geddes said: “The forecast will provide some Christmas cheer for retailers. Shoppers are expected to loosen purse strings off the back of rising consumer confidence and improving economic conditions.”
Referring specifically to online sales, he added: “Flexible delivery could be this year’s battlefield. After last year’s click-and-collect Christmas, consumers’ expectations around flexible delivery over the coming festive period are higher than ever before. Store collection is now seen as a basic offering and those retailers without this capability will struggle to convert online sales and lose resulting footfall in-store.
“This year, the consumer will be challenging retailers’ ability to deliver a sofa at home in a specified time-slot; transfer a party dress to their local store for same day collection and drop off their Christmas DVDs at a convenient locker.”
Meanwhile, head of consumer business research at Deloitte Ben Perkins stated that firms need to carry on raising the bar and developing new fulfilment options to cater to consumers’ needs.
However, he added it is vital that businesses have a measured approach. About this, he commented: “They must balance this against the cost of delivery and recognise the infrastructure and systems that need to be in place to ensure a reliable and efficient service. Retailers are under pressure to secure sales and customer loyalty but ultimately, they need to turn a profit in the process.”
Any firms that are providing special delivery services may benefit from marketing this fact using flyers, leaflets and posters. This could serve to boost consumer awareness and ultimately translate into increased sales.
Luckily for busy managers, it is now simple to arrange printing services online. Within a matter of moments, they can place their orders and then all that remains is to take delivery of the promotional material. For the best results, this advertising material must be well designed and produced. Also, firms have to make sure that the relevant consumers get to see it, otherwise their efforts and investment may go to waste.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written widely on the subject of marketing for a variety of leading sites, including A Local Printer.
