Research from web site monitoring and load testing specialist, Site Confidence has discovered that e-retailers fail to prepare for the November Christmas shopping rush, despite it being the highest month for time spent on retail web sites over the festive period.
Bob Dowson, Director at Site Confidence said: “Competition at Christmas is fierce in the e-retail space, and companies know that their web sites are
essential in gaining competitive advantage. Most try to prepare early, but some are still using November to rectify functionality problems before December. Either online retailers are unaware of the importance of November, both in terms of
sales and present research, or they don’t allow the necessary time to rigorously test their sites for capacity and performance. UK consumers spent a staggering £4.6 billion online on presents and food last Christmas, so, to each get their slice,
e-retailers must ensure strong availability in November 2009, as well as December and January.
“Retail web site functionality issues affect a company’s revenue and reputation, and send its customers into the open arms of competitors which are only a click away. Rigorous load testing ahead of November can help to ensure online retailers have the
necessary capacity to cope with predicted periods of increased traffic in this important month, while website monitoring can ensure that user experience remains unaffected by poor performance.”
http://www.theretailbulletin.com/news/eretailers_hohohopeless_in_runup_to_christmas_says_research_30-10-09/