Retailers across Sussex have been urged to make better use of the internet after a key survey predicted sales would remain in the doldrums for the foreseeable future.

Employers' body the CBI said sales in September fell at their fastest rate since its records began 22 years ago - and warned the outlook for October looked "equally gloomy".

But while traditional sales continue to tumble, the emergence of broadband technology has helped fuel an internet shopping frenzy - with annual growth rates of 27.4 per cent.

That's why The Argus, in partnership with the Business Forum in Brighton and Hove, is encouraging retailers to explore the possibility of selling their goods online - and offering a low-cost solution.

Last week the organisations co-hosted an event at The Thistle Hotel, Brighton, which explored the benefits of online trading and heard from retailers who were making good money from e-commerce.

One of the main points to emerge from the evening's discussion was that it was important to have a web site that was easy to use and had the facility to complete a sale online.

Only two per cent of the 1,500 shops in Brighton and Hove have a web site.

One of the main reasons for the slow take-up is the perceived cost of creating and maintaining a good site.

Now Newsquest - The Argus' parent company - is offering retailers the chance to dip their toe in the water of e-commerce for just £300 (plus VAT) via a web site called Shoppers World.

The package allows traders to sell up to a dozen products online through their own virtual "shop" for 12 months and includes training, advice and support along the way.

Because Shoppers World is already established, retailers will not have to spend a fortune on search engine optimisation (SEO), making sure internet browsers find the site.

Elizabeth Hammond, head of digital media at The Argus, said: "It is a good way for retailers to start out at a low cost because management can be concentrated on products and sales rather than SEO.

"The retail sector is going through a tough time at the moment so getting your product to the widest possible audience via the internet could be one way of riding out the storm."

Tony Mernagh, chief executive of the Business Forum, said: "Retailers who don't have a web site and, crucially, a facility for people to complete a purchase online, are really missing a trick.

"Bricks and mortar sales are dire at the moment, and the outlook for the rest of the year does not look any better, and yet the number of people buying online is going up.

"But there is really no point in just having a 'shop front' web site that doesn't actual allow people to buy something online, that's no better than useless."

For more details about Shoppers World, please contact Elizabeth Hammond at elizabeth.hammond@theargus.co.uk
Tuesday, October 4, 2005