e-Commerce Awards for Excellence 2009
The 14 awards are listed below with details of the short list and winners.
OnLine Gold Award
(OLGA) for the Best e-Commerce Site 2009Voted for by IMRG members, and retailers are not allowed to vote for their own site.
It is no surprise given the industry we are in that there was a very long tail of e-commerce sites voted for by IMRG Members, The result in reverse order are: Third place - Play.comSecond place and runner-up - John Lewis.com
First place and winners of the 2009 OnLine Gold Award for best e-commerce site voted by the Members of IMRG is - ASOS.comSponsored by:
Best Multi-channel Retailer
What the judges wanted to see?Excellent choice, user experience and strong sales will be a given but judges will also be looking for evidence that this is a retailer who is truly committed to e-commerce, understands its importance in the retail mix, constantly innovates and uses e-commerce to benefit the wider business.
Winner ClarksThe judges agreed that Clarks are enriching the customer experience whilst maintain brand values across all channels.
Short List B&QClarks KiddicareSponsored by:
Best Pure-play Retailer
What the judges wanted to see?Excellent choice, user experience and strong sales will be a given but judges will also be looking for evidence that this is a retailer who is truly committed to online retail demonstrating true innovation and market leadership.
Winner ASOS.comHead and shoulders above a very competitive field, showing true innovation and market leadership.
Short List AmazonASOS.comFireboxSponsored by:
Leading Green/Ethical practice in e-Commerce
What the judges wanted to see?Judges will look for evidence that the site is the go-to online store and information source for this market sector. Great product choice, strong sales and outstanding service will be expected along with any additional services and content that demonstrates that the company understands its customers’ specialist needs.
WinnerOcadoApplying green values holistically across all aspects of their business.
Short List GaiamHowiesOcado
Best Use of Rich Media Award
What the judges wanted to see?We’re looking for the most imaginative and best use of video content to enhance the customer experience. Crucially we need to see evidence that video engagement has led to increased business and a more positive experience for the customer.
WinnerLittlewoods.comThe judges recognised the scale of the project and the outstanding results that were achieved.
Short ListeasyJetLittlewoods.comMiss Selfridges
Cross Border e-Retail Innovation Award
What the judges wanted to see?We’re looking for clear evidence of increased sales in overseas markets, and the application of a multi-lingual/multi-currency web site providing a rich consumer experience with excellent delivery options together with clear and demonstrable returns and customer service.
Winner The Book Depository An innovative approach to an international network successfully optimising business reach across the globe.
Short ListThe Book Depository Digital Village iCongoSponsored by:
e-Commerce Site Innovation Award
What the judges wanted to see?This development could relate to content, service, technology , marketing or all of them. What we’re looking for is something original, exciting and which advances the e-commerce cause. Crucially we need evidence that the innovation has led to increased business for the e-retailer and a more positive experience for the customer.
WinnerOcadoA rare example of an online retailer successfully extending their service into another channel through mobile technology.
Short List
British AirwaysEvans Cycles OcadoSponsored by:
Re-design/Re-launch of the Year Award
What the judges wanted to see?This relates to content, and overall look and feel. What we’re looking for is evidence that the changes have led to increased business for the retailer and a more positive experience for the customer.
Winner Sainsbury's Whilst increasing the diversity of offering, Sainsbury’s have continued to improve their customer experience.
Short List The Book Depository Firebox Sainsbury's Sponsored by:
Best Customer Experience
What the judges wanted to see?Ease of use, clarity and variety of photography, editorial content, excellent product offer, informative product descriptions, outstanding customer service, and innovative and appropriate use of technology will all be taken into consideration, along with any other factors that make the experience of buying from the site an enjoyable and easy one.
Winner ASOS.comThe judges recognised with this Award that ASOS continue to raise the bar for customer experience.
Short List ASOS.comeSparesFireboxSponsored by:
User Generated Content Innovation Award
What do the judges want to see?We’re looking for the most imaginative and best use of UGC content to enhance the customer experience. What we need to see is evidence that UGC is being used across channels and as part of the marketing message to drive sales and improve customer experience.
Winner ASOS.comThe judges saw clear evidence of the customer engaging with the brand.
Short List Argos ASOS.comQVC
Best Customer Service Award
What do the judges want to see?Who has gone the “extra mile” to really help their customers? We need to see clear evidence/testimonials that your customer service team are the best in e-commerce.
Winner Sainsbury'sThe judges felt that Sainsbury’s clearly demonstrated that they are putting their customers at the forefront of their business.
Short List FireboxKiddicareSainsbury's Sponsored by:
e-Commerce Personality of the Year
This Award was pulled from list.
Best e-Commerce Marketing Initiative
What do the judges want to see?This award will recognise the company that demonstrate either through a continual or one-off marketing activity that it knows how to drive traffic and more crucially sales from its website. Online, offline or live-event activities, or a combination of all three, will be considered. But what’s most important here is the results.
Winner Game Group StoresThe judges felt that Games’ marketing initiative delivered truly outstanding results.
Short List Game group Stores M&M Direct Theshampooshop.com
Innovation In Delivery Award
What the judges wanted to see?This award will recognise the company that can demonstrate, through service improvements, product innovation and technological enhancements a measured improvement in service and customer satisfaction.
Winner DPDThe judges felt that certain carriers had made significant advances in the services they were now offering for eCommerce and the carrier leading the market has been DPD…particularly providing flexibility for the recipient to confirm or change their delivery day after the parcel has been dispatched.
Short ListASOS.comDPD Home Delivery NetworkSponsored by:
How To Enter
Many thanks to all the companies that have contributed entries and nominations for the e-Commerce Awards for Excellence 2009. We look forward to reading your entry for 2010 awards.
If you have any queries please contact Paul on 020 7189 5533
