What the customers want from online boutique stores

Posted by JulyRed on February 13th, 2014

The online boutique stores have never had it better with 62% Americans with internet connection now shopping online at least once a month. Only 1% of US consumers with internet access mentioned that they have never shopped online and will never shop over the internet. This recent report was published by Walker Sands and was generated from data gathered by surveying more than 1,000 consumers. While online boutique clothing stores are not at the top of the pile when it comes to most items shopped they are very much at the top.

Online shopping for clothes, overall, occupies second place in terms of sales figures. In the US however, it lies in third place behind consumer electronics and books. While 69% consumers mentioned that they use the internet for shopping for consumer electronics and 67% mentioned that they shop for books online, the online boutique stores were mentioned by 63% of consumers. When you consider how close the three are the business prospect does look well for the online boutique clothing stores.

Now what makes people shop from the internet? Money is a driver but it’s not the most important driver. This does come as a bit of surprise because all this while everyone thought that people shopped online because they could save money. The number 1 reason why people shop online is free shipping. 80% respondents mentioned this as their top choice for online shopping. At 66% in number 2 is 1-day shipping. 41% even mentioned about same day shipping. Hence, for the online boutique stores the story is there to see – they need to ship fast and ship free and most of them already do so. Those that are not have to buckle up.

64% of consumers prefer free exchanges and return and 48% mentioned that they would want hassle free online returns. 37% also talked about easier in-store returns. The evidence is clear that the consumers want more from online shopping. If someone looks at the practices of the top online boutique clothing stores one would find that they indeed make it very easy for consumers to return or exchange their products. Of course, these stores have their terms and conditions in place but all of them ensure that they terms and conditions are clearly mentioned in their website.

The internet is the most open marketplace of all. If someone is happy they can easily spread the word around and the opposite can also happen. There are innumerable forums where consumers can voice their concerns as well as show their appreciation. Sensible consumers always visit these forums so that they are able to choose the best of the online boutique clothing stores. And the most sensible online boutique stores also visit these forums to keep track of what their customers are saying about them.

For online boutique clothing stores the time is absolutely right to make the most from online shopping. However, one has to know and follow what the best online boutique stores are doing to keep their customers happy.

Online boutique clothing stores need to know what their customers want. 2014 shows a clear trend of customer demands from online boutique stores.