South Africa`s online retailers are hoping to entice record numbers of consumers through a combination of product offerings, delivery promises and publicity campaigns this festive season.
Naspers-owned Kalahari.net site says it has 200 000 registered customers, and plans to extend delivery deadlines for selected products to 20 December this year.
"Online retail is another channel for shopping - it will never replace traditional shopping but it is expected that consumers will spend an increasing portion of their wallets online as the industry matures," says Gary Hadfield, marketing manager at Kalahari.net.
Exclusive Books is encouraging online transactions by offering its online customers free delivery at any of its stores. Maryanne Hancock, online customer service manager at Exclusive Books, says this will also encourage shoppers to browse when they collect their orders.
"It is a little too early to say how the season is panning out, but we believe it will be an improvement. Part of the reason is that the publisher`s list features a large number of local authors, and their books are also cheaper," Hancock says.
The online outlet for music retailer Musica is seen as not just a sales outlet, but also the place for customers to do research before going to the shop and buying.
"Customers do their research online, make a print out and then go to the store to listen to the music and then purchase," says Musica e-commerce manager, Yahya Patel, who adds that he still expects an increase in online sales.
Netflorist hopes to increase its Christmas sales through supplying a number of other gifts and hampers, and complementary products. Jodi Klass, marketing manager at Netflorist, says: "Last year we sold 4 900 orders over the season, which was an increase of about 30% on the year before. This year we are hoping to do better."
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