Communications, provider of e-commerce software, has identified the trends likely to influence online retail business in 2006. Intershop is also launching version 6.1 of its packaged Enfinity Suite 6 software, which features enhanced sales/marketing functionalities that reflect the latest developments in Internet retailing.
Intershop CEO Jürgen Schöttler: "E-commerce will enjoy continued success in 2006, and online retailing will experience above-average growth compared to other sales channels. Online retail business models are changing and becoming more varied. It won't just be about using the Internet as a sales channel to reach customers, but about developing full-service online offerings."
For 2006, the Association of German Retailers (HDE) is forecasting revenues of 16.3 billion euros from online shopping, representing an increase of approximately 13 percent compared to 2005 (source: www.hde.de). In Schöttler's view, the key focus in 2006 will once again be on multi-channel retailing. One-stop shopping models and online marketing are also set to become increasingly important.
"We are seeing a shift in the groups targeted by e-commerce companies, with the focus moving from those responsible for IT to sales and marketing departments," adds Schöttler. "In the future, the big brands will be investing more heavily in online retail as their fear of cannibalizing their other sales channels subsides."
In November, Intershop held its prestigious Intershop Open conference again for the first time in four years, with participants from the e-commerce industry attending the event at corporate headquarters in Jena, Germany.
