Back to Media CoverageAugust 01, 2011
The Dawn of the Age of Free Shipping
Internet Retailer - article excerpt:
How to offer that perk profitably is the challenge for e-retailers.
At Stonewall Kitchen, a multichannel retailer of foodstuffs, kitchenware and other home goods based in Maine, getting orders to customers throughout the U.S. in the fastest and more efficient way is forever on the mind of Aimee Roy, Stonewall's distribution manager. Having started as a retailer 20 years ago, Stonewall has worked hard to operate as a tight ship with its supply chain, fulfillment and shipping operations for store, catalog and web sales.
The retailer has seen consumers respond when it offers free shipping on online and catalog orders—and more competitors offering free shipping. "As a retailer facing pressure from our peers, we have to offer free shipping or be left behind—and have our market share go to someone else who offers what customers want," Roy says.
To read the article in its entirety, visit Internet Retailer.