EBay has been competing with Amazon to be on top of the online retail world. The company has been pursuing to grow their e-retail, bridging the gap between online and brick-and-mortar stores. The key competent is to create a delivery system that can get online shoppers their products within hours.

EBay has announced in a Forbes report it will be launching a one-hour same-day delivery service. The service is is available via their mobile app--eBay Now. Through eBay Now, shoppers can place on order and have it in their hands within one-hour. Currently, only customers can download eBay Now within New York, San Jose and San Francisco. However, there are more US cities to come this summer to offer the service, including Chicago and Dallas. With the service roll-outs, eBay will be in a positive position for the holiday season.

The online giant has partnered with top retailers such as Macy's, Best Buy and Target, to provide the one-hour delivery service. EBay has eBay valets, which will go the nearest partner store, find the product you ordered online and deliver it to their customer. The report stated eBay is utilizing its' own valets to make their deliveries; however, as the service grows, eBay may have to partner with same-day couriers to successfully make the volume delivers needed. This service helps, not only eBay grow, but also the partners gain ground with retail sales as well.

What is very impressive regarding the new one-hour service is the cost of it. Shoppers will only pay a flat $5 delivery charge, which is a low cost for such a premium service. It appears the partnerships eBay has made with the brick-and-mortar retailers is reason this level of pricing can be made. The pricing is much less than utilizing a same-day courier, however, can it be sustained. The result will end up being a temporary low cost for shoppers, yet the price may increase in the future.

Online businesses such as eBay implementing a one-hour service confirms that the future of online retail will be directly linked with same-day delivery. Atlanta couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any company to provide same-day delivery of online products and meet the increasing service demand. AQuickDelivery has the expertise to develop same-day delivery solutions on a national scale and help any retailer thrive online.

Reference: 5.7.13, Forbes, Clare O'Connor, Game On, Amazon! eBay Rolls Out One-Hour Delivery, Targeting The Web And Wal-Mart

Asda is making large investments into introducing same-day grocery delivery service in the UK per The Telegraph. The company announced this week it is has begun a $700m drive of investment capital into the same-day delivery initiative. Asda already offers what is called a Click-And-Collect Service and has plans to roll out the trial same-day delivery program in May with customers being able to collect their order from stores initially as well. This is the first stage, as the next phase of their business strategy is to open 12 stores in 2013. The initiative is designed to help push and grow their online business. It will create 2,500 jobs within the UK, which will be a boost for their economy as well.

The UK retailer is the second-largest food retailer in Britain. Asda has received a great response for their click-and-collect services within its' UK stores since 2012. “This year there will be more invested in digital than previous years, but we are still committed to opening stores", stated Andy Clarke, Asda Chief Executive. He further stated, “Stores will continue to be important, but I think the shape of stores will change dramatically over the next 10 years.” This type of food shopping service already exists with the company and they will double the amount of sites that provide the service to 200 this year.

They also opened a "drive-through" click-and-collect facility, which allowed customers to collect food and non-food orders by scanning their mobile phone, after which, the store clerk loaded the purchase into their cars. This is a very convenient service for customers and shows the difference mobile commerce is making in the way people shop. With same-day delivery, as easy a shoppers can pick up their orders, is how easy they can have their online orders delivered. Their click-and-collect program accounts for 50 pieces of Asda's non-food orders and 5 pieces of food orders.

Kieran Shanahan, home shopping director at Asda, stated, “I think it [click-and-collect] will be as big as home delivery in a few years. I don’t think it will take 15 years.” Wal-Mart know After Asda's high growth in 2012, the company knew it was on to something revolutionary for the grocery retail industry. With the backing of Wal-Mart, the company is well on its' way to great future success. There is no telling where same-day delivery will take them with Wal-Mart at the helm.

The world's largest retail giant is currently testing same-day delivery in a number of markets in the US, such as San Francisco and San Jose. From the new services ideas being implemented by Asda, this does indeed shows signs that grocery stores will have their share of utilizing same-day delivery. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are a viable option for grocery retailers to partner with and create online growth. This Atlanta courier can be used by Wal-Mart customers to pick up and delivery their online orders from the grocery store locations nationwide.

References: 4.29.13, The Telegraph, Asda plans same-day delivery service in £700m UK investment drive

Consumers are getting very trendy when it comes to shopping online in recent years. Now, shopping online has become very easy and comfortable for shoppers utilizing mobile devices to pre-shop or to perform what is termed as cross-shopping. This is a large part of mobile commerce. Since consumers have jumped the huddle of comfort-ability with shopping and making actual transactions online, the current demand has moved to the desire to be able to cross-shop easier between online retailers and physical stores.

According to a survey by consulting firm Accenture, consumers have weighed in and desire retailers to make it easier to do their cross-shopping. Consumers will use their mobile devices to make price comparisons, price checks, online store visits, and online purchases before going physically to the store first. This is key for online shoppers who are looking for the best deal. The physical store retailer that can make cross-shopping easier can gain more visibility and web traffic. This in turn, can result in huge sales for the visitor conversion rates.

Accenture released a survey this week call the "Accenture Seamless Retail Study". Within the survey, there were a number of outstanding results found regarding what consumers really want. Of the 750 people surveyed, 89% of consumers felt it is important retailers allow them to shop the way they want to shop. They want retailers to accommodate what is conducive to their desired online shopping experience. Also, 49% of consumers stated the best thing retailers can do is make their shopping experience more convenient by integrating in-store, online and mobile shopping. This now puts the ball in the retailers' court to produce a buying solution that fits the consumer.

The report discussed the difference in shopping behavior that exists and is expressed in various way depending upon what the consumer is buying. Shopping for apparel and electronics, consumers will often use stores, mobile devices and the web. In contrast, consumers heavily will go to brick-and-mortar stores and drug stores for those types of items they are looking for.

Consumer expectations are to make it easier between all channels and retail performance. “In many cases we have found a significant gap between consumer expectations and reality, but we believe seamless is achievable,” said Chris Donnelly, global managing director of Accenture's retail practice. “Traditional retailers must take stock of their operational capabilities. They require a presence at every stage of the customer journey to deliver a consistently personalized, on-brand experience from discovery through research, purchase, fulfillment and beyond to product maintenance or returns.”

Among other surveys performed, consumers were questioned in regards to same-day delivery. Only 5.2% felt same-day delivery was very important and 18.5% stated it was not. Only 13.6% said they would pay more than $20 for the service, where as, 37% stated they would pay under $5. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are currently assisting many online retailers to meet the online demand of having their products delivered fast. The Atlanta Courier can also deliver from any retailer fulfillment or distribution center nationwide. AQuickDelivery is a viable partner for online retailers and local brick-and-mortar stores, and the company can offer superior product return delivery services.

References: 4.23.13, Internet Retailer, Don Davis, Consumers want to easily move across shopping channels

The largest retailer in the world has already shown its' ability to dominate in the arena of brick-and-mortar retail. Wal-Mart now has released some of their online retail business strategy and appears be in hot pursuit of being on top in online business as well.

Wal-Mart will begin testing this summer their very own locker system for online orders, in which shoppers will be able to come pick up their products from local participating stores. Internet Retailer reported roughly 12 stores will be involved in the forthcoming locker test. Neil Ashe, president and CEO of Walmart Global eCommerce stated in the report, “We are demonstrating we can build whatever any other e-commerce company can do, and combine that with the world’s largest retailer to provide a commerce experience no one else can provide". There is no question Wal-Mart pursuing to become the leader in online retail.

Shipping by their customers to the Wal-Mart lockers will be a free service for Wal-Mart online orders, and for orders shipped to a local store. Their Ship to Store program has been in place since 2007. Also, customers have been able to have their product shipped to over 660 Fedex offices. Their e-commerce product line increased between 35-40% last year. With this level of growth, Wal-Mart shows only signs of more growth in the future. “We’re looking to double that this year, and we’ll grow to tens of millions in years to come,” said Kelly Thompson, senior vice president of merchandising for Walmart.com U.S.

The locker service is being launched in an effort for Wal-Mart to combine its' online assets with 10,000 stores worldwide. Wal-Mart implementing this type of order fulfillment service is no surprise. Online giant Amazon started Amazon lockers via Staple and RadioShack store locations. In 2012, Google also created BufferBox in the Toronto-area. The locker system is driven by the core demand of shoppers, which is getting their product in their hands fast.

The delivery system that is comparable and even faster then Wal-Mart lockers would be same-day delivery. Companies such as Wal-Mart, eBay, Macy's, and more are currently testing same-day delivery in various markets nationwide. With the continual growth of e-commerce and mobile shopping, it is clear that same-day delivery will be a key to succeeding online.

A same-day courier like AQuickDelivery can assist Wal-Mart and other e-retailers grow their online sales nationwide. This Atlanta courier is able to develop a courier logistics solution that fits the online delivery needs of retailers. From small packages to palletized freight, this Atlanta Courier can delivery fast and develop various same-day delivery solutions to meet online demand. As e-commerce continues to grow worldwide, an optimal delivery system by a same-day courier will be just what e-retailers need to excel in the future.

Reference: 2.26.13, Internet Retailer, Don Davis, Wal-Mart: ‘We can do what no one else does’

Many have been waiting and the final numbers are in for e-commerce sales during 2012. Online sales have continued to grow globally each year and experts were expecting 2012 to be no different. E-commerce sales increased by 16% in 2012 reported Internet Retailer via the US Department of Commerce. Sales for the year ended at $225.5 billion last year. This is up from 15.8% at $194.7 billion in 2011.

Also the Department of Commerce reported 5.2% of total retail spending occurred online in 2012. This is an increase from 4.7% in 2011. Forrester Research Inc. forecasted similar numbers early last year, stating e-commerce would total $226 billion.

The US Department of Commerce statistics are higher than ComScore Inc., which released their numbers last month at $182 billion for online sales in 2012. From their statistics, e-commerce still increased 15% from 2011. ComScore also stated tablet use increases 49% each year and will be the mobile device to watch for trends during 2013. IBM weighed in and stated consumers spent 15% more online in the fourth quarter last year than in 2011. This means online shopping is becoming more popular during the holiday season.

There is also increased online traffic for some retail giants. Amazon online traffic grew 3% in the fourth quarter at 115 million. Macy's online traffic grew 11% in the fourth quarter at 118 million. Fab.com, a flash-sale site, increased 329% year-over-year, which equated to almost 3 million more users in the fourth quarter. There certainly appears to be a trend that e-commerce is steadily growing and consumers are more comfortable shopping online.

With the increase of e-commerce, many online retailers are seeking to meet consumer demand to receive their products faster, especially during the holiday season. Large retailers such as Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, Target, and more are testing same-day delivery for their e-commerce sales. Same-day delivery offers the component of online shopping customers are looking for.

A same-day Atlanta courier like AQuickDelivery can assist with retail deliveries and order fulfillment in Atlanta, as well as nationwide. This nationwide courier is able to develop a courier logistics solution that fits the online delivery needs of retailers. As e-commerce continues at this fast pace, an optimal delivery system by a same-day courier will be just what e-retailers need to compete in the years to come.

Reference: 2.15.13, Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, E-commerce grows 16% in 2012

Gas prices appeared to be under control late last year, even declining. We began to see a upward spike in the recent months and it continues to climb. Experts are now concerned about gas prices affecting what the US economy has been yearning for the most--recovery.

CNBC News has reported gas prices have risen to a national average of almost $3.75 per gallon and could affect the US economic recovery. The AAA has showned gas prices have risen for a consecutive 32 days. Known oil producer, Brent Crude Oil, hit its' highest in nine months at $119.17. The US economy currently is facing issues such as payroll taxes and budget cuts, while higher gas prices simply adds more fire to the flame.

Analysts reported there are reasons for the recent increase of gas prices. One reason is the geopolitical tensions in high oil producing countries such as Iran. Also, recent US natural disasters has resulted in oil supply shortages, which pushes up gas prices. The economy has been experiencing a slow recovery process. With only a 0.1% increase in retail sales in January and the contraction of the labor market in the last quarter, the US economy may be affected greatly by current gas prices.

Oil production shortages is another main cause of higher gas prices and could result in even eclipsing the $5 per gallon mark. This is due to the temporary closure of key oil refineries within the US, which causes the shortages. In the report, John Kilduff, Again Capital partner, stated $5 per gallon "is a real possibility. This is partly being driven by the lost refinery capacity of about one million barrels per day...that's a lot." Kilduff stated oil giant Hess's closure of a key refinery hub in New Jersey in January as a major factor that has caused gas prices to soar. "It's one of about eight refineries that have announced closure. Now the East Coast is heavily reliant on [gas] imports when it used to be self-sufficient," said Kilduff.

Gas prices have soared in a number of cities throughout the US above the current national average of $3.77. For the inland states, California leads the way with an average of $4.20 per gallon. Hawaii currently has the highest state average at $4.32 per gallon. New York has surpassed $4 per gallon also. Connecticutt and Washington DC has reached over the $3.98 per gallon mark.

Inspite of current gas prices, consumers and businesses can cut their transportation costs by using same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery. Couriers are a viable option instead of using their own fleet and employees. Even with gas prices, this Atlanta courier can perform same-day deliveries at a lower cost because of route optimization and transportation expertise. AQuickDelivery can create a courier logistics solution specific to your same-day delivery needs. A courier can help keep your product prices down and not be affected by the higher gas prices.

Reference: 2.21.13, Yahoo News/CNBC, Javier E David, Recovery Killer? Gas Prices Barrel Toward $4 a Gallon

Same-day delivery is not just an idea any longer, companies globally are striving to create a competitive advantage within the e-commerce industry. From China to the US, this delivery method is being sought after and being driven by online customer demand. It is true shoppers do desire their products to their front door faster, however, experts wonder is this the way retailers should go.

The question is being asked do customers really desire same-day delivery? Internet Retailer highlighted a report with sporting goods retailer Moosejaw Mountaineering. The company pursued to aggressively increase sales during the 2012 holiday season by offering same-day delivery to last-minute shoppers. The initiative did not generate a single order via same-day delivery online. There were several reasons for the failure, including they announced the service offer a few days before Christmas and a lack of heavy promotion. It also appears many shoppers aren't aware of same-day delivery because many online companies and retailers just do not offer it. As a result, consumers didn't even consider using it. There may or may not be good reason why many retailers do not offer it.

Some experts believe the success of same-day delivery is completely driven by the consumer and whether they have a free alternative. ShopRunner's Chief Strategy Officer Fiona Dias stated, “It’s a market need issue. If I desperately want something today, I can go to a store and not have to pay for shipping. A classic case is diapers—a product that you need there and then. As long as same-day shipping costs something, it’s going to limit the number of people willing to pay for that much speed, especially if there’s a free alternative called driving to the store."

The company many are watching is Amazon and their method of same-day delivery. “By holiday 2013, Amazon, in particular, will have dozens of new distribution centers a stone's throw away from major populations on the East and West Coasts,” Dias says. “More Amazon packages will arrive within one-to-two days, and unless store retailers start shipping from stores to nearby consumers, they will be disadvantaged in shipping speed versus Amazon and lose market share," said Dais. As a result, retail stores are beginning to strive for same-day delivery also. Another example highlighted in the report is eBay's same-day service called eBay Now. Introduced in 2012, eBay is began testing same-day delivery in San Francisco with retail giants like Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, Target, and Macy's. They now have same-day delivery in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. Delivery is $5 per order, with a minimum order of $25. Same-day delivery is as close as shoppers can get to actually going to a physical store and making the purchase themselves. If done effectively, it can result in the shopping advantages consumers want.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any business create a successful delivery solution. This Atlanta courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight fast! AQuickDelivery is an experienced, professional courier servicing over 1,500 clients, including Fortune 500 companies with courier logistic solutions. AQuickDelivery is a viable option for e-retailers to attract customers within their markets with same-day delivery and experience the growth they are looking for.

Reference: 1.25.13. Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, Do consumers want same-day shipping?

The global courier and delivery services industry has been relatively stagnant in recent years, particularly due to the global recession. IBISWorld had reported last year the industry will experience very slow growth for the coming years. However, the research giant is now seeing some great signs for the courier industry.

IBISWorld has issued an updated report of more future growth for the global courier and delivery services industry. IBISWorld is held as the nation's leading independent source of industry and market research. Over the next five years, the courier delivery services industry will strengthen and have steady growth. Growth was only 0.1% for the last five years. Sales are expected to rise 1.4% this year.

The research giant has found the core driver of the rising of the global courier and delivery services industry is the emergence of technology and e-commerce. There is increase in consumers are using the internet to conduct business, which is requiring a higher volume of goods to be transported via same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery. There is an increase in the demand for time-sensitive goods also.

The industry still deals with outside factors affecting growth. “Although Global business conditions have stabilized since, debt concerns in Europe and North America continue to dampen consumer and business sentiment," said IBISWorld Analyst Lauren Sear. The rise in fuel prices during the economic downturn, beginning in 2008, also still affects the courier industry, including profit margins. In spite of the challenges, e-commerce appears to be a new trend of business that will benefit the courier industry.

AQuickDelivery are helping businesses and individuals every day within e-commerce . The Atlanta courier is able to provide same-day delivery from small packages to palletized freight, on-time and fast! AQuickDelivery is a viable option to help companies expand their online business and implement a courier logistic solution to meet your online demand nationwide.

Reference: 1.14.13, Yahoo News, PR Web, Global Courier & Delivery Services Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld has Been Updated

Christmas has passed and retailers were looking to have a bright holiday sales season this year. With the success of Black Friday and Thanksgiving having a record of four $1 billion days of sales, it certainly appeared as if we were heading for a sales record. The sales numbers are in, and it was far from the results retailers expected.

Yahoo News via Associated Press reported that holiday sales grew at the weakest pace since 2008, which was one of the deepest years of the US recession. Holiday sales grew only 0.7 percent for the two months before Christmas. Sales were expected to grow 3 to 4 percent this year. In 2011, sales went up by 4 to 5 percent. Even in the mist of the 2008 recession, sales still grew 2 to 3 percent. The shopping season started with a blaze this year, from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. Marshal Cohen, chief research analyst at NPD Incorporated stated, "A lot of the Christmas spirit was left behind way back in Black Friday weekend. We had one reason after another for consumers to say, 'I'm going to stick to my list and not go beyond it.'" After this period, shoppers closed their wallets.

Experts state a number of events have caused consumers to not spend as much this year as in years' past. One of the events is the uncertainty of the economy and the fiscal cliff, which appears is coming. With the tax increases, people are preparing for the worst and probably opted to not spend as much as they normally would. Also, Storm Sandy put the northeast region of the country in the position to tighten their spending in order to handle their recovery expenditures. Lastly, the devastation of the Newtown shooting really took its' toll, and instead of thinking about shopping, many Americans were and still are grieving from the horrific event.

Time will tell whether consumer spending will rise in 2013. The report stated 70 percent of our economic activity depends on it. Many companies are seeking different avenues by which to attract customers to increase spending. One direction companies are turning to is to increase growth in the online retail sector of their business. If it's challenging to get consumers out of the house, retailers can make shopping more attractive while at home via online. Retail giants like Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, and Macy's are pursuing to offer customers same-day delivery of the products they order online. Same-day delivery is as close as shoppers can get to actually physically going to brick-and-mortar stores, which saves time and money.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any online business that is striving for higher sales. The Atlanta courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight. AQuickDelivery is an experienced, professional courier with the ability to deliver on-time and fast! From daily big box pick-ups to store returns, AQuickDelivery is a viable option to help companies expand their own driving fleet and implement a courier logistic solution to meet online demand nationwide.

Reference: 12.25.12. Yahoo News/Associated Press, Daniel Wagner, US holiday retail sales growth weakest since 2008

Barnes & Noble is the internet's largest bookstore. They are one of the companies we go to for the latest in books and e-book technology, such as the Nook. Their Nook sales doubled over the Black Friday extended weekend. They are having their share of holiday sales this season and are showing how they are getting their products shipped.

Barnes and Noble is reported to be shipping millions of gifts this holiday season throughout the US. CNN Money showed via video how the company is doing it. They company has a 1.1 million-square foot facility in Monroe, New Jersey that is shipping this vast number of packages. This facility replaced a combined five distribution centers, which totaled 1.2 million square feet. This facility is very high tech, utilizing the latest state-of-the art equipment to make their packages move. They also display how they offer gift wrapping for the Nook. Customers can have their Nook wrapped with a personalized card to the recipient and shipped out, ready to be opened for Christmas. Barnes & Noble also has a number of distribution facilities they are shipping their packages from.

The book giant did experienced some losses in the second quarter this year with their Nook division, ultimately due to Amazon and Google. Both of their competitors do not have brick-and-mortar locations, however, they are their leading competition online. Amazon and even other e-retailers such as eBay, are seeking how they can get their products delivered faster. EBay is currently testing markets for same-day delivery. Barnes & Noble also offers free same-day delivery in Manhattan, New York. With more and more shopping being done online, companies will have to keep up with the customer demand for a better delivery experience.

Barnes & Noble appears to be continually positioning itself to compete. They offer free shipping for their members in 3 days or less and non-members for orders of $25 or more. Even with the capacity to make ready millions of gifts per day, they will need to effectively deliver their products to their retail stores and end customers to grab the holiday shoppers. It is ideal especially for local shipments and return deliveries.

Courier services like AQuickDelivery are able to create courier logistic solutions to support their order fulfillment during the holiday season. From small packages to palletized freight, the Atlanta courier successfully provides same-day delivery to over 1,500 clients, including Fortune 500 Companies nationwide. Regardless of the number of packages you have to deliver, AQuickDelivery can quickly implement a delivery system and help your company grow.

Reference: 12.18.12, CNN Money, How Barnes & Noble Ships Millions of Gifts