Before the Internet became a part of our daily life, retailers ran their business in single-channel mode. Even when different channels were added, they were operated as separate entities. Today with the advent of the internet the scenario has changed completely. With growing online sales, operating a single old fashioned independent channel is no longer viable. The buzzword in today’s world of online marketing is multi channel retailing.

Multi channel retailing is a method of reaching out to customers through different channels of sales and Marketing. The idea here is to be present with your stores at points where customers are buying rather than expecting them to visit your websites or retail stores only. This objective is achieved through market places which already have a large customer base such as eBay and amazon. It helps retailers get in touch with shoppers at various touch points repeatedly. With increased interactions, a retailer is able to build a strong working relationship with the customer.

This is also a form marketing, most importantly, helps to integrate products, customers and stock in a wholesome manner across all channels. This gives all types of businesses a unique degree of control, multi-channel visibility, and responsiveness.

While online business has opened a faster and easier world of shopping for consumers, multi channel e – commerce has provided leverage to sales. Retailers benefit from higher sales, more customer loyalty and a great chance to up-sell and cross-sell to customers who buy online. The benefits are so large that more retailers are switching into this form of integrated marketing.

To sum it up multi-channel integration solutions can help you in the following ways:

• Set up multiple ecommerce websites and  control through centralized stock control system
• Sell on multiple channels such as websites, eBay, Amazon, play.com, Pixmania.com etc. and automate all orders into one system
• Bring down expenditure by streamlining implementation and maintenance
• Full blown ePoS system that syncs in real time with the online sales helping to maintain a single stock and inventory system
• Improve business responsiveness
• Multi channel strategy can help retailers multiply profit considerably.