Shopfittingsdirect.co.uk transports High Street stores into the new economy

UK-based Shopfittings Direct, a premier supplier of retail equipment, has migrated its business model from a `bricks and mortar` to a `clicks and mortar` environment with the assistance of e-commerce solutions provider Aqua Online. www.shopfittingsdirect.com, the recently developed B2B e-commerce portal, is the first of its kind internationally, and will benefit retail outlets throughout the United Kingdom by offering them direct access to all their shopfitting requirements from perspex accessories to point of sale equipment.

Shopfittings Direct invested more than lb250 000 to have its site developed, migrating its existing infrastructure into the online economy. Benefits of the site include access to over 6000 items, an on-line credit card ordering mechanism, account facilities, guaranteed delivery within 24 hours as well as on-site security. Outlets ranging from small boutiques to the likes of Harrods, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer are set to benefit from the portal. Smaller stores have the option of buying or selling surplus or used fittings at discounted prices. This is advantageous for the smaller retailer who is often restricted by budgetary constraints, but now has access to a broad range of affordable shop equipment.

Says Paul Brooks, joint managing director of Shopfittings Direct, "Not only is the portal the first of its kind, but it serves to make the shopfitting process as easy and hassle-free as possible. We now have a completely outsourced Web-site and the pressure of maintenance and security is taken off our shoulders, allowing us to focus on our core business. Additionally, our customers have access to all the latest shopfittings, which can be delivered nationwide within 24 hours. Aqua Online has exceeded all expectations in its development of our site." The site contains a host of tools designed to enhance user experience. Users can track the progress of their order at any stage in the ordering process, from the initial placement of the order to final delivery. Regular items can be reordered through a `favourites` feature on the site. Included in the site is a library feature that can source non-catalogue items, a monthly promotions feature for regular updates on special deals, and a sales hotline. Stores also have the ability to manage deliveries to multiple locations. "Aqua Online`s intention was to provide unprecedented levels of customer service by providing a site that exceeds expectations and meets retail requirements. We have therefore developed a fully integrated retail portal by making certain that the site`s features work together as a seamless whole," comments Tal Harpaz, managing director at Aqua Online.

"In this new economy, it is vital that businesses of all descriptions embrace the technologies pertinent to their business and e-commerce is no exception. It is our mission to make e-business a reality. We are delighted to have partnered with Shopfittings Direct on this project and to launch the online dimension of its business. Together, we have created a benchmark for this component of the retail industry," concludes Harpaz.