Going hybrid and offering the best of both real and virtual worlds, is one way that Irish retailers could boost sales and meet the changing needs of their diverse customer base. That’s the advice from leading digital agency FCDM. By combining their extensive e-commerce experience, which has seen them boost online sales for companies across Ireland, the UK, US and the Middle East, with their hands on team of digital marketing experts, the team at FCDM, hope to help medium sized Irish retailers adapt to the changing retail landscape.
FCDM is a full service digital marketing agency. Since its inception in 2007, FCDM has worked with a number of companies, both large and small, nationally and globally, to help them move their businesses to the next level of e-commerce.
Melanie Revins, Project Manager at FCDM explains, “As businesses across Ireland push to move out of the downturn, retaining and attracting new customers is harder than ever, especially as there is so much choice for consumers. With the trend ever increasing towards online spending, it is estimated that only 23% of small Irish businesses are engaged in any meaningful way in e-commerce sales”.
FCDM believe that there is now an urgency to ensure that businesses recognise that this is happening and that they respond to this new shift in online sales. They should however, recognise that although timing is important, getting the job done correctly is of greater importance.
FCDM was responsible for bringing traditional florist, Justyne Flowers online in 2011. Prior to this, the company had virtually no online sales, but through a targeted e-commerce strategy, that saw FCDM create a user friendly website, that engages and retains customers, Justyne Flowers, is now Ireland’s number one online florist. The florist is now known as Flowers.ie FCDM’s team is also currently implementing a successful online campaign that has also seen the florist expand into Dubai.
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
The Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources (DCENR ) has launched a Trading Online Voucher Programme and has teamed up with the Local Enterprise Offices, to deliver this to Irish business. The National Digital Strategy aims to get at least 2,000 businesses trading online by the end of 2015. Vouchers will be available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT ), whichever is the lesser.
Business Development Manager at FCDM, Deirdre Keon, explains: “Schemes like the online trading voucher, have given small businesses the support they need in getting their foot on the digital ladder. At FCDM, we will help you get the most out of this voucher, by maximizing its potential with an online strategy that best suits your business.”
FCDM ecommerce platform of choice is Magento, a reputable and trusted platform used by over 240,000 companies worldwide. FCDM recommends Magento, as it allows you to take control of your online channel and offers the flexibility and agility to adapt and expand as your business does. It is feature-rich and will give you a cutting-edge, multi-channel ecommerce experience that will drive down the cost of customer acquisition and help you to scale your business.
FCDM would like to welcome businesses to contact them for assistance and advice on the online trading voucher. Get in touch with us by calling our office today on 090 6493740 or email [email protected]
