E-retailers need to ensure their fulfilment centres are ready to handle rising demand as online sales rise

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: E-retailers need to ensure their fulfilment centres are ready to handle rising demand as online sales rise.

Businesses that are focused on tapping into the fast growing online retail market need to ensure they have the correct equipment and procedures in place to effectively handle rising sales or risk customer satisfaction taking a hit, says Midland Pallet Trucks.

In April, statistics show that UK online sales increased by an impressive 18.8% when compared to just a year earlier. It was the highest growth posted since November 2016 and demonstrates just how much consumers are getting behind e-retail. Clothing and garden sales had particularly strong months, posting growth of 15.6% and 12% respectively, while home products saw a fall of 15.6% as homeowners focussed their attention on outdoor spaces for the coming summer months. The average value of a basket grew to, increasing by £14 to £117.12 for multi-channel retailers and by £3.50 to £87.16 for online only businesses.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "The latest results are great news for online retailers, whether it's their sole focus or part of an omnichannel approach. The findings indicate that despite much doom and gloom about the economy, consumers are confident when it comes to their spending and looking for convenient ways to make purchases.

"The increased sales are clearly positive, but it could also represent a challenge for some businesses. Consumers choose online sales for their ease of use and they now expect their packages to arrive quickly. It's critical that fulfilment centres are equipped with the right resources to get orders on the road within the expected timeframes. It's an essential part of customer satisfaction for online retailers, so even if it means investment or updating existing practices it could be well worth it."

Midland Pallet Trucks are specialists in pallet trucks, offering a diverse range of models to suit the needs of a variety of businesses, including those that operate within the e-retail market.

Chesworth added, "Having the right equipment to hand to move large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items can really speed up the time it takes for retailers to take their orders from received to dispatched. In such a competitive industry, offering fast turnaround times can make all the difference and keep consumers coming back for more."