Ecommerce is an undisputable force in global retail sales and shows no sign of slowing down. Market analysts predict a 246.15% increase in worldwide ecommerce sales, from $1.3 trillion in 2014 to $4.5 trillion in 2021. In China, the biggest e-commerce market in the world, online sales made for 15.9% percent of all retail and 68% for all fashion sales. In the UK, current third on the list, online sales for all retail account for 18.2% and for 67% of all fashion sales. The growth of marketplaces such as Net-A-Porter and Farfetch has proven that no category is immune to this revolution and luxury can perform just as well as fast fashion, thanks to instant accessibility and abundance of choice available.

The online sales channel is also the easiest way for a brand to start generating sales, requiring lower risk and financial investment to launch whilst simultaneously catering to clear consumer preferences and opening up a world of opportunity.

The UK market is fiercely competitive and standing out requires a clear, considered approach. Our two-hour seminar aims to touch on key considerations including:

• Ecommerce market update: current trends and next developments
• How to build a successful ecommerce platform – what key functionalities do customers expect and how is it changing
• Marketplace vs own platform – how to acquire and work with an online stockist and fit it within broader ecommerce strategy
• Ecommerce best practice – how to convince the customer to shop and build an immersive experience
• Different types of online marketplaces

Speakers:

Liam Young, founder, Harper Concierge
Harper Concierge is a service allowing online boutiques to offer their customers an option to ‘try before they buy’. Looking after the logistics side of the operation, it allows smaller companies to offer the same service as giants like Amazon.

Toyin Laketu, Onwards and Up

Export Development and Digital Consultant helping start-ups and large companies establish their business in new markets through sustainable growth strategies.

Mike Williams, Business Development Director, Strawberry Soup

After the seminar there will be an opportunity to network with fellow delegates, complimentary drinks will be served.

Tickets are free for UKFT members; booking required with a limit of 2 tickets per person.