News
Parkwell Retail Business Lunch Seminar - 11.06.2008
“The Challenges of Multi Channel Retailing”
On 15 May Parkwell hosted a lunch seminar on “The Challenges of Multi Channel Retailing” at the Berkeley Hotel in London.
Mike Hancox, Chief Executive, Otto UK – Freemans, Grattan and Parcelnet provided an extremely interesting insight on his considerable experience in retail. He talked about topics including:
• The impact of the internet on the retailer:
• The change in the buying cycle.
• The presentation of items on the internet.
• The problems presented attempting to integrate a web offering with legacy stock control and warehousing systems.
• The impact of price transparency provided by the internet.
• Providing potential customers with relevant information such as availability and delivery date.
• Categorisation of product to allow easy searching and selection by customers.
• Providing customers with real time data.
• How to offer complimentary products.
• Systems challenges when faced with an existing, legacy environment.
Mike joined the Home Shopping division of GUS plc in 2001 as the Finance Director before becoming CEO of Shop Direct in 2003, following the acquisition of the business. In 2004 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Littlewoods Shop Direct. As COO, he led the integration programme of the two mail order businesses; Littlewoods and Shop Direct; creating the UK’s largest mail order company.
Mike joined Otto UK as Chief Executive in December 2005. Since joining Otto UK Mike has developed the internet and direct catalogue business of Otto UK launching brands such as Oli, Montage and Duck electricals. He has also extended the Freemans brand into Ireland and developed the Parcelnet logistics business with growth of 30% in the last two years.
There was then a healthy debate touching on topics such as how to control the level of returns, approaches to prevent fraud and the nature of photography to be used in catalogues and on web sites.
The event was very well attended by senior executives from organisations including Harrods, Kingfisher Group and Selfridges. Their feedback has been excellent.
Parkwell will be holding more seminars in the future and we’ll keep you informed of our next event.