2 weeks ago Google launched their internet stats website. Sometimes you get asked by clients for specific information on demographics, so it’s a welcomed source of information.
So what’s the point of it?
The point is, working in the industry having this kind of data makes decision making compelling for clients. There is no where centrally online that compiles this data and makes it accessible online. So in true open source spirit, Google have used their spiders to find the information and create a library online.
Doing this is a form of extending the Google brand, so they are diversifying in all aspects of search and information provision.
Most relevant facts?
For me it would be focusing on the Christmas season that will soon be upon us.
With online sales up 13.3% in 2009 and 10.9% in 2010, the Internet will take further share from the high street. (Verdict Research, May 2009)
YoY from the 2007 to 2008 Christmas Sales period, online sales increased by 31% while in-store sales decreased by 1.3%. (Retail Week, January 2009)
With these undisputable facts, retailers need to seriously start aligning their budgets so they reflect the correct proportions of where the sales are coming from. If increasing sales are coming through the internet than the bricks and mortor, companies need to start aligning their marketing budgets accordingly – and start getting sophisticated with the online customer experience through the store.