Retailers fast tracked into $1 trillion global eCommerce market

SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics has launched a new integrated eCommerce and logistics division to fast track traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers into the $1 trillion global eCommerce market.

Mark White, President & COO, says the new division reflects the way SEKO Logistics’ customers’ business is moving: “E-fulfilment solutions for customers have been a core aspect of our business for several years and we have a fast-growing client base of retailers that rely on us to ensure their customer commitment is met. SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics takes this to a new level by combining all of the resources and expertise of a global logistics company to manage a customer’s total eCommerce supply chain - taking product from ex factory production through warehouse and fulfilment to their end consumer, and back again if required.
 
“SEKO's Omni-Channel Logistics is different because it brings together the complete shipping, logistics and distribution solution, coupled with eCommerce website design expertise and innovative business software for resource, supply chain, warehouse and transport management. This leaves our customers free to concentrate on their brand, product range, purchasing and sales - online or retail - while we integrate with their sales order management systems, and do everything else!” 
White says SEKO Logistics’ new division will fast track online sales for retailer’s trying to tap into the burgeoning eCommerce market. Online sales grew by 18% in August, according to the latest figures published by the IMRG-Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
 
SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics enables consumers to experience a retail brand in exactly the same way from a marketing perspective, regardless of the sales channel - so whether mobile, web, retail or catalogue. “To be able to do this, they need to operate as a whole in terms of CRM and marketing, as opposed to operating in sales channel silos - and that’s only possible with a consolidated supply chain strategy. Setting up a slick eCommerce website with sophisticated online ordering and payment processing is only the tip of the iceberg. If you don’t deliver the goods according to a customer’s expectations, they may never return,” White adds.
 
SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics’ fulfilment offering is built around a network of multi-user logistics sites in the U.S., Asia, Europe and Australia and allows e-tailers and retailers to outsource their eCommerce-focused global fulfilment and international logistics. SEKO Logistics already provides this service to numerous companies from global multi-channel retailers to niche brands and product owners.
 
The service ensures a consistent customer experience with all parts of the eCommerce system communicating seamlessly. Retailers can track inventory and product availability in real-time and enjoy the flexibility to schedule deliveries and select shipment methods. Direct deliveries to customers are supported by integrated back-end tracking and reporting, while online orders and returns are managed smoothly alongside existing retail channels.
 
SEKO Logistics’ customizable technology solutions give retailers real-time warehouse management across all stock locations via SEKO SCM (Supply Chain Management). Only one integration is required with sales order management systems, making the move to Omni-Channel capability simple, fast and affordable. SEKO SCM enables purchase order and inventory in-transit control to be integrated with consumer demand patterns, which prevents stock-outs and improves full margin intake. It also facilitates buy online/pick-up in-store fulfilment, which is the largest sales growth opportunity for retailers today.
 
Omni-Channel’s delivery management is based on optimizing the delivery process to the end consumer - taking key elements such as speed, geography, duty and local tax issues into account. SEKO Logistics also works with major integrators and mail providers in the larger eCommerce markets, as well as having contracts with many domestic and regional parcel carriers to give customers access to the right solution for each delivery.
 
Managing returns, a major headache for retailers and one of the key roadblocks to them developing a global eCommerce presence, is taken care of as part of the SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics service. White says: “Having an effective worldwide returns policy is a vital stepping stone towards eCommerce excellence and we can enable this by providing customers with a pay-as-you-go returns centre in any geographical territory, allowing consumers in that market to have the confidence that their returns process is being managed locally. That drives customer confidence and, ultimately, increases sales.”
 
SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics’ integrated solution is completed by eCommerce development and design, where its team of specialists work closely with customers to design and develop brand-enhancing eCommerce solutions for any platform - including desktop, tablet and mobile, powered by agile and scalable technology so the customer’s content management systems are fast, up-to-date and easy to use.
 
“Our business is built around making our customers’ lives easier and about enabling them to unlock new opportunities. eCommerce retailers need to think like consumers who can walk into a store, choose and pay for items, and bring them home instantly. When they’re shopping online, customers expect even more convenience, not less. With internet storefronts providing lightning-fast ordering and payment processing, customers expect same-day shipping and speedy delivery of their purchases to complete the shopping experience. With SEKO Omni-Channel Logistics, retailers can achieve this goal.”
 
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