E-retail looks set to boom

NATIONAL: Fashion brands with an online presence have been offered some good news in the lead up to the Christmas period. According to a report from Google Australia, clothing and apparel searches would grow by 25 to 38 per cent growth over December. Researchers claimed web retailers had already reacted to forecasts by revisiting free shipping offers, which were described as major sales drivers last year.

Statistics from online measurement group Hitwise indicated apparel and accessories activity were already on the rise. Asia Pacific research director Alan Long said fashion was the fastest growing sector in the digital world, with a 7.56 per cent jump in traffic over fiscal 2008 and 18.72 per cent year-on-year growth.

The figures came as good news to womenswear chain Kookai, which relaunched its website in September and planned to open an e-boutique in mid-2009. The retailer had seen a 50 per cent jump in traffic since the relaunch and allocated 10 per cent of its marketing budget to growing the website.

Recently launched online retailer thegrandsocial.com.au, which operates on a concession store model, planned to unleash five new designers in time for Christmas. Co-founded by fashion entrepreneur Nick Gower, the site essentially builds, maintains and runs online hubs for emerging labels such as Zoemou, Sewn, Seventh Wonderland and Nathan Smith.
 
Even social networking sites have broached into the e-tail sector in the lead up to Christmas. Fashion-based website 2threads.com, which allows users to upload videos, photos and blogs, launched an online store earlier this month offering ready-to-wear and vintage items. Designers and users could sell their wares for a small commission on sales.

For more, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's November 28 issue.