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

Online business is nothing without a logistical method the get their product delivered fast. This isn't just true for your average retail industry such as clothing and technology, but even for pet products. PetFlow.com realizes to climb higher in the world of e-commerce, they needed an order fulfillment partner and this is exactly what they put in motion.

PetFlow.com recently announced that they have partnered with Dotcom Distribution to assist in implementing an effective order fulfillment system. The new partnership comes in response to their increasing sales growth online, which currently PetFlow.com is one of the fastest online retailers nationwide. A core driver of the partnership is PetFlow.com's success of their "Spoiled Rotten" box subscription. The company has over 100 brands of pet products, such as pet foods, toys, and more.

Dotcom is a known logistics and order fulfillment provider Petflow.com felt was the best match for their order fulfillment needs. Joe Speiser, co-founder, PetFlow.com, state, “To scale our new monthly subscription-based program, we needed a logistics provider with a proven infrastructure to meet deadlines and provide exceptional customer experience. Dotcom Distribution enables us to assemble thousands of attractively packaged gifts in a short time and deliver them in a very tight window. Our customers love the quick turnaround time and reliable service, and look forward to a new box of goodies for their pets each month.”

PetFlow.com also thought Dotcom Distribution could provide the custom packaging services it was looking for. Dotcom does not only package products in standard ordinary boxes. The company offers shipping of products in designed gift boxes, just as if the customer prepared the packaging themselves, delivered right to the recipient's door. The gift boxes serve as a competitive advantage for their industry competitors. Dotcom President Maria Haggerty stated, “Our goal when building premium packages for clients like PetFlow.com is to extend the personality the brand maintains online to a fun and memorable delivery experience.”

Order fulfillment is a source for many online retailers to create and manage their overall costs. With transportation cost being between 25% to 35% of the product itself, it is crucial to have a shipping partner that delivers. Dotcom Distribution can deliver within 1-3 day delivery time frame. This is a timely service, however, many online companies are seeking same-day delivery of their products. Retail giants such as eBay, Wal-Mart, Macy's, and more are testing markets for same-day delivery.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist PetFlow.com and Dotcom Distribution have their product delivered. The Atlanta Courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight fast. AQuickDelivery can also deliver any distance from any fulfillment center nationwide. AQuickDelivery is a viable partner for just-in-time inventory to local brick-and-mortar stores and can offer superior product return delivery services.

References: 3.21.13, Yahoo News, PR Web, PetFlow.com Selects Dotcom Distribution to Provide Fast Delivery and Premium Packaging

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’

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?

From Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, electronic retailers like Best Buy were happy at the pace of holiday sales. The recession appeared to be on an upward swing, however, it doesn't appear the flame lasted. Best Buy appears to be awaiting holiday sales figures they did not expect. Morningstar retail analyst R.J. Hottovy stated in a MPR News report that Best Buy will be disappointed with low sales this holiday season. "It really has not been a great holiday season for them in our mind.

Certainly, we have seen a continuation of a lot of the same trends that have put pressure on the fundamentals in recent periods, namely a lot of people shifting their consumer electronics purchases online", stated Hottovy. He stated Best Buy stores that were open 14 months had a 4 percent decline in sales. Amid aggressively pursuing sales growth through price matching and discounts, the company could suffer with low profits. Best Buy will be releasing their holiday sales results this coming month.

Their low holiday sales is no different from the overall holiday sales numbers for the retail industry as a whole. The Associated Press has already reported holiday sales increased only 0.7 percent, which is much lower than expected. Retailers and experts agreed holiday sales would go up at least by 3 to 4 percent, especially with the 4-day shopping explosion during Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Retailers experienced 4 days of $1 billion in sales. Even in 2011, still in the recession, retailers experienced a growth of 4 to 5 percent. Many are attributing the plummet of sales due to the uncertainty of the economy and the looming fiscal cliff this coming January.

Best Buy had high hopes, especially after stellar results on Cyber Monday. Experian Marketing released Bestbuy.com was the third most visited online retail site that Monday. They were good for Best Buy, however, were in no comparison to Wal-Mart and Amazon. The company has made a number of changes, even in leadership, to turn the ship around. Online retail sales continue to grow and is worth Best Buy pursuing different strategies like same-day delivery to achieve better results.

Retail giants like Wal-Mart and Amazon have begun to offer faster deliver of their products online. Wal-Mart currently provides same-day delivery in various cities and is testing the new service in San Francisco. Amazon Lockers are becoming more known, allowing their customers to have their online purchases delivered to these locations for pick up. Macy's and Target are also testing same-day delivery to capture some of the online market.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist online companies by offering the attractive delivery services shoppers want. From small packages to palletized freight, this Marietta courier can create courier logistic solutions that fit your business. Same-day delivery can be a huge advantage, even for Best Buy.

References: 12.24.12, MPR News, Martin Moylan, Best Buy reaps disappointing holiday sales; 12.26.12. Associated Press, US retailers report weakest holiday sales 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

Many retailers were wondering about how well the holiday shopping season would pan out. After huge results during Thanksgiving week and Black Friday, the holiday season appears to be on a fast track. The final numbers are in, and holiday sales show this is a big year.

Internet Retailer reports that there is a new sales record for the first 30 days of the holiday season. ComScore released that there were four days within this 30-day period that sales went over $1 billion. It took 10 days to eclipse $1 billion in 2011. Black Friday rose from $816 million to $1.04 billion. Cyber Monday sales increased to 17% to $1.47 billion. These two days were then followed by $1.26 billion in sales on Tuesday and $1.11 billion on Wednesday.

Thanksgiving sales paved the way, with a staggering 32% increase from last year. "Any way you look at the data, there's no doubt that web retailers had a strong Thanksgiving weekend, which culminated in a very strong Cyber Monday with web sales up nearly 22% over last year,” says Sucharita Mulpuru-Kodali, Vice President of Forrester Research. The sales show this will be an astonishing holiday shopping season.

Online sales in the US hit $20.38 billion, a 15% increase from a year ago. M-commerce is playing a key role in the growth, seeing holiday shoppers have immediate access to sales via their iPads, iPhones, tablets, and other smartphone devices. One of the catalysts was retailers offering shoppers free shipping for their online orders before and after Thanksgiving. Most retailers did require a minimum purchase, however, this proved to persuade consumers enough to buy. Shoppers spent $46 more with free-shipping orders.

Holiday shoppers enjoy the online experience, not only for free-shipping, but also the convenience it brings. With online sales increasing, brick-and mortar retailers are pursuing to meet online demand and getting their products to their customers the same day. Wal-Mart, Macy's, eBay, and many others are testing markets with same-day delivery, as it appears business is trending into more online retail.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are capable of assisting any retailer with delivering their online products, even during the strong holiday season. The Atlanta courier has the transportation expertise to create a viable delivery solution for you. From small packages to palletized freight, AQuickDelivery is available 24/7 and can deliver fast! With AQuickDelivery, your company can capitalize on holiday sales and offer same-day delivery to your shoppers.

Reference: 12.3.12, Internet Retailer, Paul Demery, Holiday sales surge with four billion-dollar-plus days

The National Retail Federation has forecasted holiday sales will grow modestly at 4.1% this year, mainly due to the slow economy. This is lower than in 2011, which reached 5.6% in growth. However, 52.8% of Americans have already started their holiday shopping, which is up from last year's 51.4%. As a part of the holiday season, this means Black Friday should be a success for most retailers.

“In order to win over savvy shoppers this year, retailers are well aware that their deals have to stand out, and it looks like there’s plenty of people eager to get their hands on the exclusive promotions we are already seeing. With more promotions to come, gift givers will have ample opportunities this holiday season to seek out the perfect gift – either for themselves or for others," stated NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. They also reported 52.9% of smartphone owners and 64.1% of tablet owners plan to use their devices to research and purchase holiday gifts online.

Shopping online steadily increases year after year, which is predicted to grow 16% in 2012. More companies are seeing the trends and adapting their retail business models, focusing more on e-commerce. Shoppers can make their purchases in a matter of minutes. Retailers are now seeking to match this convenience with the ability to deliver their products quickly. Large corporations such as eBay and Wal-Mart, are currently testing markets to create same-day delivery of online purchases.

Online retail is having a larger impact on growth and revolutionizing the best way to deliver products. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can be a partner for Black Friday and this coming holiday season. This Atlanta courier is able to quickly implement a courier solution and delivery fast! AQuickDelivery can also make those last-minute deliveries and returns shoppers are looking for.

Reference: 10.17.12, www.nrf.com, Shoppers to Remain Conservative With Holiday Gift Budgets This Year, According To The NRF