Date: 5 November 2009

eCommerce Still Building Towards Christmas Peak, Despite Royal Mail Strike

Although online retail has been fairly resilient in the economic downturn, it has still been indicative of a country in recession and this, along with the mail strikes, have left retailers concerned about their fourth quarter. However, industry leaders have been noticing positive trends suggesting that the downturn may well be ending and that the industrial action has had little knock on effect.

MetaPack is a delivery management company which provides a software solution to online retailers, improving their delivery processes. As such they are in the perfect position to gauge online retail through the number of parcels sent out. MetaPack analysed 50 of its customers over the last six months to find some really promising results. Their customers not only include large players such as John Lewis, ASOS, M&S, Halfords and DGSi group but also a range of medium size online retailers using the IDIS Delivery Management System. “We feel we have a very representative customer base and pre-Christmas growth is happening across the board. Customers are confident that their parcels will be delivered and continue to move towards online sales.,” explains Patrick Wall, CEO of MetaPack.

Wall goes on to say, “over the past three months we have noticed a definite increase in the number of parcels sent out through our system. While there has always been a gradual increase, in keeping with the rise in popularity of online shopping, since August sales have increased by 10% each month. This is brilliant news for an industry reliant on carrier and postal services and is specific testament to MetaPack customers being able to use alternative carriers through the strikes.”

About Metapack

Established in 1999, MetaPack is the leading provider of delivery management solutions that promote best practice, transform online shopping and help retailers exceed customer expectations. MetaPack is the only company providing a single point of integration for UK carriers enabling retailers to offer comprehensive delivery options for online shoppers as well as complete tracking through extensive performance reporting.

MetaPack provides delivery management solutions for a number of blue chip retailers and its software is endorsed by the IMRG.

Contact

MetaPack Limited
12-16 Laystall Street
London, EC1R 4PF

DDI (020) 7843 6864
tel: (020) 7843 6861
fax: (020) 7843 6721
email: info@metapack.com
http://www.metapack.com